FlavScents AInsights Entry for Acetoin Butyrate (CAS: 84642-61-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Acetoin Butyrate
• IUPAC Name: 3-Hydroxybutan-2-one butyrate
• CAS Number: 84642-61-5
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C8H14O3
• Molecular Weight: 158.20 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Acetoin butyrate is an ester, which typically contributes to fruity and buttery notes in flavors and fragrances. The ester linkage in its structure is crucial for its sensory properties, providing a smooth, creamy aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Acetoin butyrate is characterized by its pleasant, buttery aroma with fruity undertones. It is often described as having a creamy, rich scent that can enhance the depth and complexity of flavor and fragrance compositions. The intensity of its odor is moderate, making it suitable for use as both an impact note and a background enhancer. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is generally used in low concentrations to achieve the desired sensory effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Acetoin butyrate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification processes involving acetoin and butyric acid. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin. However, its components, acetoin and butyric acid, can be found in various natural sources, including dairy products and fermented foods, where they contribute to the characteristic buttery and cheesy notes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Acetoin butyrate is primarily used in flavor formulations to impart buttery and creamy notes. It is commonly utilized in dairy, bakery, and confectionery applications. The typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, acetoin butyrate is used to add creamy, buttery nuances to compositions. It is often found in gourmand and fruity fragrance families, contributing as a middle note that enhances the richness and depth of the scent profile. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are not well-documented but are generally low to moderate, ensuring a balanced olfactory impact without overwhelming other components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Acetoin butyrate does not have a specific FEMA GRAS status but is used in compliance with general safety guidelines.
• European Union: Not explicitly listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage is subject to general safety assessments.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific regulatory information; usage typically aligns with international safety standards.
• Latin America: Regulatory status varies; generally follows international guidelines with country-specific assessments.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values are available; usage in flavors is guided by industry practices and safety assessments.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; generally considered safe at low concentrations in fragrance applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility is moderate; occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety precautions.

Overall, acetoin butyrate is considered safe for use in both food and fragrance applications when used within recommended guidelines.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Acetoin butyrate is valued for its ability to impart creamy, buttery notes that enhance the richness of flavor and fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other esters and lactones, providing a smooth, rounded profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often underutilized in non-dairy applications where its creamy notes can add unexpected depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on acetoin butyrate is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical applications. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less comprehensive, requiring formulators to rely on industry norms and safety assessments. Known data gaps include precise usage levels in fragrances and detailed toxicological studies.

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 2026-06-01 14:35:11 GMT (p2)