AInsights Entry for para-Cresyl Acetate (CAS: 140-39-6)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): para-Cresyl acetate
- IUPAC Name: 4-methylphenyl acetate
- CAS Number: 140-39-6
- FEMA Number: 2335
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.013
- Molecular Formula: C9H10O2
- Molecular Weight: 150.18 g/mol
para-Cresyl acetate is an ester formed from para-cresol and acetic acid. The functional groups include an aromatic ring and an ester linkage, which contribute to its characteristic odor profile. The ester group is crucial for its fruity and floral scent, often used in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
para-Cresyl acetate is known for its sweet, floral, and fruity odor, reminiscent of jasmine and hyacinth. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with a pleasant diffusion. The compound is typically used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a floral and slightly balsamic nuance. The odor threshold is not clearly reported, but it is considered effective at low concentrations in both flavors and fragrances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
para-Cresyl acetate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through the esterification of para-cresol with acetic acid. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin. However, it can be used in formulations labeled as "nature-identical" when derived from natural precursors.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
para-Cresyl acetate is utilized in various flavor categories, including floral, fruity, and sweet profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, enhancing the complexity and authenticity of floral and fruity notes. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, para-Cresyl acetate is used across multiple fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and chypre. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility allows it to blend well with other floral and fruity components, enhancing the overall bouquet.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.
Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify specific country requirements due to potential variability.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, para-Cresyl acetate is considered safe within the established FEMA GRAS limits, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is subject to IFRA guidelines, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported at standard concentrations. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
para-Cresyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a floral and fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall complexity of the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering scent or flavor. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle floral note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on para-Cresyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some undocumented practices may exist. Known data gaps include specific ADI values and detailed sensory thresholds, which formulators should consider when developing new products.
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
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 2026-02-14 17:37:53 GMT (p2)