FlavScents AInsights Entry for Acetophenone (CAS: 98-86-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Acetophenone
• IUPAC Name: 1-Phenylethanone
• CAS Number: 98-86-2
• FEMA Number: 2009
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 02.001
• Molecular Formula: C8H8O
• Molecular Weight: 120.15 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Acetophenone is characterized by a ketone functional group attached to a phenyl ring. This structure contributes to its sweet, floral odor reminiscent of orange blossoms, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Acetophenone is known for its sweet, floral odor with nuances of orange blossom and almond. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and a pleasant, diffusive character. The compound is primarily used as an impact note in both flavor and fragrance formulations, providing a sweet and floral top note that enhances the overall sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Acetophenone occurs naturally in several plants and essential oils, including those of orange and other citrus fruits. It can also be formed through the oxidation of ethylbenzene or via the Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene with acetyl chloride. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Acetophenone is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including citrus, almond, and floral profiles. It serves as a key impact note, enhancing the sweetness and floral characteristics of the flavor system. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. Acetophenone is generally stable under typical food processing conditions, although it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, acetophenone is used across various fragrance families, including floral, citrus, and gourmand. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Acetophenone's volatility allows it to contribute effectively to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Acetophenone is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 02.001.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Acetophenone has a low acute toxicity profile, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies. The margin of safety is considered adequate for typical flavor use.
• Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, acetophenone is not a known skin irritant or sensitizer, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific use limits.
• Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure is possible, but occupational exposure limits are generally not exceeded in typical use scenarios.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Acetophenone is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral note that enhances both flavor and fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other floral and citrus notes, providing depth and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a blend if used excessively, and it is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle floral enhancement.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on acetophenone is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. While industry practices are generally consistent, some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in plant sources and extraction methods.

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 11:43:28 GMT (p2)