FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Methoxyethyl Acetate (CAS: 3938-96-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Methoxyethyl acetate
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methoxyethyl acetate
• CAS Number: 3938-96-3
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C5H10O3
• Molecular Weight: 118.13 g/mol

2-Methoxyethyl acetate is an organic compound characterized by the presence of an ester functional group, which contributes to its solvent properties. The methoxy group is linked to the ethyl acetate backbone, influencing its volatility and odor profile. This compound is often used in industrial applications due to its solvent capabilities.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Methoxyethyl acetate is known for its mild, sweet, and fruity odor, reminiscent of pear or apple. Its sensory profile is characterized by moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for use as a background note in fragrance compositions. The compound's odor threshold is not well-documented, but it is generally considered to have a low threshold, contributing to its effectiveness in trace amounts.

In flavor applications, it serves as a subtle modifier, enhancing the overall fruitiness of a composition without dominating the profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Methoxyethyl acetate is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for industrial use. It does not have a significant role in natural flavor or fragrance designations. The compound is typically produced through the esterification of 2-methoxyethanol with acetic acid, a process that is well-established in industrial chemistry.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, 2-methoxyethyl acetate is used to impart a subtle fruity note, often enhancing apple or pear profiles. It is typically employed in low concentrations, ranging from 1 to 10 ppm in finished food products, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor system.

The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations, but may degrade under extreme conditions, leading to a loss of its characteristic odor.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

2-Methoxyethyl acetate is utilized in various fragrance families, including fruity and floral compositions. It acts as a modifier, providing a fresh, sweet undertone that enhances the overall scent profile. Typical usage levels in fragrance formulations range from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type.

Due to its volatility, it contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance, offering an initial burst of freshness that quickly diffuses.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; used under general solvent regulations.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; used in compliance with general safety standards.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence.
• Asia: Usage is subject to national regulations; generally permitted as a solvent.
• Latin America: Regulated under general solvent use guidelines; specific country regulations may vary.

The compound is generally recognized as safe for use as a solvent, with no specific flavor or fragrance approvals.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Oral Exposure: Not typically relevant for flavor use due to its primary role as a solvent. No ADI or MSDI established.

Dermal Exposure: May cause irritation upon prolonged contact; not a common sensitizer. IFRA guidelines do not specifically address this compound.

Inhalation Exposure: Volatile and may pose inhalation risks in occupational settings. Adequate ventilation is recommended during handling.

The risk profile for 2-methoxyethyl acetate is primarily associated with its solvent properties rather than its use in flavor or fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Methoxyethyl acetate is valued for its ability to subtly enhance fruity notes in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and alcohols, providing a balanced sweetness. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility, ensuring it is not lost during processing. Overuse can lead to an overpowering sweetness, while underuse may result in a lack of desired impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-methoxyethyl acetate is well-established in terms of its chemical properties and industrial applications. However, specific sensory and regulatory data are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and assumptions. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological profiles and specific regulatory approvals for flavor and fragrance use.

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 2026-07-06 06:17:32 GMT (p2)