FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Butyrate (CAS: 105-54-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl Butyrate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl butanoate
• CAS Number: 105-54-4
• FEMA Number: 2427
• Other Identifiers: FL number 02.015, CoE number 123
• Molecular Formula: C6H12O2
• Molecular Weight: 116.16 g/mol

Ethyl butyrate is an ester formed from butyric acid and ethanol. It is characterized by its fruity odor, reminiscent of pineapple and other tropical fruits. The ester functional group is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its volatility and sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl butyrate is known for its strong, sweet, and fruity aroma, often described as pineapple-like. It is a high-impact odorant with a low odor threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as an impact note in fruit flavors, providing brightness and authenticity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl butyrate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, bananas, and pineapples. It is also formed during fermentation processes, contributing to the aroma of alcoholic beverages like wine and beer. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl butyrate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as pineapple, orange, and mango. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the overall fruitiness and authenticity of the flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 30 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense fruit flavors. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, ethyl butyrate is used to impart a fresh, fruity note, often in conjunction with other esters to create complex fruit accords. It is commonly found in personal care products, air fresheners, and household cleaning products. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility makes it a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Ethyl butyrate is approved by the FDA and FEMA as GRAS for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 02.015.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific limits in ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally recognized as safe, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ethyl butyrate is considered safe for use in food and fragrances at typical exposure levels. Oral exposure is well-tolerated, with an ADI established by JECFA. Dermal exposure is generally non-irritating, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its rapid evaporation and low concentration in air.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl butyrate is valued for its ability to enhance fruit flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and aldehydes, providing a rounded and authentic profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its strong aroma can dominate blends. It is often underused in non-fruit applications where a hint of freshness could be beneficial.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on ethyl butyrate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and safety profiles documented. Industry practices are consistent with regulatory guidelines, though specific ppm ranges may vary by application. No significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities are noted.

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 2026-05-22 02:48:25 GMT (p2)