FlavScents AInsights Entry: Neryl Acetate (CAS: 141-12-8)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Neryl acetate is a single chemical compound commonly used in the flavor and fragrance industry. Its IUPAC name is (2Z)-3,7-dimethylocta-2,6-dien-1-yl acetate. The CAS number for neryl acetate is 141-12-8. It is also identified by the FEMA number 2771. Other identifiers include the FL number 09.008 and CoE number 117. The molecular formula of neryl acetate is C12H20O2, and it has a molecular weight of 196.29 g/mol. Structurally, neryl acetate is an ester, which contributes to its fruity and floral odor profile. The presence of the acetate group is crucial for its characteristic scent, often described as sweet and citrusy, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Neryl acetate is known for its pleasant, sweet, and citrus-like odor, reminiscent of neroli and bergamot. It is often described as having a floral and fruity character with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The compound is typically used as an impact note in formulations, providing a fresh and uplifting aroma. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, neryl acetate is recognized for its ability to enhance the overall sensory experience by adding a natural and realistic touch to both flavors and fragrances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Neryl acetate naturally occurs in various essential oils, including neroli, petitgrain, and bergamot oils. It is formed through the esterification of nerol, a monoterpenoid alcohol, with acetic acid. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its presence in these essential oils. The natural occurrence of neryl acetate in these oils makes it a preferred choice for natural product formulations, aligning with consumer demand for natural ingredients.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the flavor industry, neryl acetate is used across various categories, including citrus, floral, and fruity flavors. It serves as a functional component that enhances the freshness and authenticity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with industry-typical concentrations often around 5 ppm. Neryl acetate is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions, which formulators should consider during product development.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Neryl acetate is a versatile ingredient in the fragrance industry, commonly used in floral, citrus, and chypre fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary, but it is often used at levels of 0.1% to 1% depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility allows it to provide an initial burst of freshness, making it a valuable component in perfumes and personal care products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, neryl acetate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with the FL number 09.008. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, neryl acetate is generally accepted for use in flavors and fragrances, though specific regulations may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR also permit its use, aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Neryl acetate is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no specific ADI or MSDI established, but it is generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low potential for irritation or sensitization, supported by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, with no significant occupational hazards reported. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no major safety concerns identified.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Neryl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a natural and fresh character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity and appeal of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired freshness. Formulators should balance its concentration carefully to achieve the optimal sensory impact.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on neryl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive information available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some specific sensory thresholds and regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the confidence in the data quality is high, with no significant gaps or ambiguities 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 2026-06-02 19:50:58 GMT (p2)