FlavScents AInsights Entry for Phenethyl Isovalerate (CAS: 140-26-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Phenethyl isovalerate
• IUPAC Name: 2-phenylethyl 3-methylbutanoate
• CAS Number: 140-26-1
• FEMA Number: 2875
• Other Identifiers: FL number 09.271
• Molecular Formula: C12H16O2
• Molecular Weight: 192.26 g/mol

Phenethyl isovalerate is an ester compound characterized by the presence of a phenethyl group and an isovalerate moiety. The ester linkage contributes to its fruity and floral odor profile, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Phenethyl isovalerate is known for its sweet, fruity, and floral aroma, reminiscent of apple and rose. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as an impact note in formulations. The compound's odor threshold is not clearly reported, but it is typically used to impart a natural fruity character in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Phenethyl isovalerate occurs naturally in various fruits and flowers, contributing to their characteristic aromas. It can be formed through esterification processes in nature, where phenethyl alcohol reacts with isovaleric acid. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural" designation in flavor and fragrance products due to its occurrence in natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Phenethyl isovalerate is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and confectionery. It serves as a key impact note, providing a sweet and fruity character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor profiles. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance formulations, phenethyl isovalerate is employed across floral and fruity fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility allows it to blend well with other floral and fruity notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 09.271.
• 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.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Phenethyl isovalerate is considered safe for use in flavors and fragrances at typical exposure levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by FEMA GRAS status, with no specific ADI or MSDI reported. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Phenethyl isovalerate is valued for its ability to impart a natural fruity and floral character. It synergizes well with other esters and floral compounds, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sweetness. It is often underutilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on phenethyl isovalerate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific numeric thresholds for sensory perception are less frequently reported. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with harmonized approvals across major regions.

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 2026-09-23 06:02:01 GMT (p2)