FlavScents AInsights Entry for Butyl Butyryl Lactate (CAS: 7492-70-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Butyl Butyryl Lactate
• IUPAC Name: Butyl 2-hydroxy-3-methylbutanoate
• CAS Number: 7492-70-8
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C9H18O3
• Molecular Weight: 174.24 g/mol

Butyl butyryl lactate is an ester compound characterized by its functional groups, which include an ester linkage and a hydroxyl group. These functional groups contribute to its odor profile, often described as fruity and creamy, making it relevant in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Butyl butyryl lactate is known for its fruity and creamy odor, often reminiscent of ripe fruits and dairy products. Its intensity is moderate, providing a smooth and rounded character to formulations. The compound is typically used as a background note to enhance the realism of fruit flavors or as a modifier to add creaminess to a blend. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory role is primarily as a subtle enhancer rather than a dominant note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Butyl butyryl lactate does not occur naturally in significant quantities and is primarily synthesized for use in flavors and fragrances. Its formation typically involves esterification reactions between butyric acid derivatives and butanol. As a synthetic compound, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Butyl butyryl lactate is used in various flavor categories, including fruit, dairy, and confectionery. It functions as a flavor enhancer, providing creaminess and depth to formulations. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations, but may be susceptible to oxidation over time.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, butyl butyryl lactate is used in fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It serves as a modifier, adding creamy and fruity nuances to compositions. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The compound contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general safety and labeling requirements.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general safety and labeling standards apply.
• Latin America: Limited specific data; general safety and labeling standards apply.

Explicit approvals are not well-documented, and formulators should verify compliance with local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI or MSDI; usage should be guided by industry-typical practices and safety assessments.
• Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe at typical fragrance concentrations; no specific IFRA restrictions noted.
• Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.

Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, but formulators should ensure compliance with relevant safety standards.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Butyl butyryl lactate is valued for its ability to impart creamy and fruity notes, enhancing the overall sensory profile of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and lactones, providing a smooth and rounded character. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering effect, and underuse, resulting in a lack of desired creaminess. Formulators should balance its concentration carefully to achieve the intended sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on butyl butyryl lactate is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and safety assessments. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies and specific regulatory listings in some regions.

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 2026-09-15 20:21:15 GMT (p2)