FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethylene Brassylate (CAS: 105-95-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethylene Brassylate
• IUPAC Name: 1,4-Dioxacycloheptadecane-5,17-dione
• CAS Number: 105-95-3
• FEMA Number: 3688
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.780
• Molecular Formula: C15H26O4
• Molecular Weight: 270.36 g/mol

Ethylene brassylate is a macrocyclic musk compound characterized by its large ring structure, which contributes to its musky odor profile. The presence of ester functional groups is crucial for its olfactory properties, providing a sweet, powdery, and musky scent that is highly valued in perfumery.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethylene brassylate is renowned for its musky, sweet, and powdery odor, often described as having a clean and slightly floral character. It is a versatile ingredient in perfumery, providing a long-lasting base note with moderate diffusion and intensity. The compound is typically used to impart a sense of warmth and depth to fragrance compositions.

Odor thresholds for ethylene brassylate are not well-documented in the literature, but it is generally recognized for its ability to blend well with other musks and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity and richness of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethylene brassylate is not known to occur naturally and is typically synthesized for use in fragrances. Its production involves the cyclization of dicarboxylic acids, a process that can be controlled to yield the desired macrocyclic structure. As a synthetic compound, it does not qualify for "natural fragrance" designation under most regulatory frameworks.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Ethylene brassylate is not commonly used in flavor applications due to its primary association with fragrance. However, when used, it can contribute a subtle muskiness to certain flavor profiles, particularly in confectionery and dairy products. Typical use levels in flavors are minimal, often below 1 ppm, to avoid overpowering the intended taste profile.

Stability considerations include good resistance to heat and pH variations, making it suitable for a variety of food processing conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Ethylene brassylate is a staple in the fragrance industry, used across a wide range of product types including fine perfumes, personal care products, and household items. It is particularly valued in the creation of musk accords and is often used as a base note due to its low volatility and long-lasting scent profile.

Typical concentration ranges in fragrances vary from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its role as a base note makes it an essential component in many fragrance families, including oriental, floral, and woody compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for use in flavors.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications.
• Latin America: Generally accepted under MERCOSUR regulations, with country-specific guidelines.

Ethylene brassylate is widely accepted for use in fragrances, with harmonized regulations across major markets. However, formulators should verify specific regional requirements to ensure compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ethylene brassylate is considered safe for use in both flavors and fragrances when used within recommended guidelines. Oral exposure through flavor use is minimal, with no established ADI or MSDI due to its limited application in food.

Dermal exposure is more relevant, particularly in personal care products. It is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing, although IFRA provides guidelines to ensure safe use concentrations.

Inhalation exposure is primarily occupational, with no significant risks identified at typical use levels in consumer products.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethylene brassylate is prized for its ability to impart a long-lasting muskiness to fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other musks and floral notes, enhancing the overall depth and warmth of a scent. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its potent muskiness can dominate a fragrance if not balanced properly.

Common pitfalls include using it in high concentrations in lighter fragrance types, where it may overshadow more delicate notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethylene brassylate is well-established, particularly in the context of fragrance use. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in regional regulatory interpretations. Known data gaps include precise odor thresholds and comprehensive toxicological profiles for all exposure routes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-05-16 23:37:09 GMT (p2)