FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Isopropoxyethyl Salicylate (CAS: 79915-74-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 2-Isopropoxyethyl salicylate
- IUPAC Name: 2-(Propan-2-yloxy)ethyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
- CAS Number: 79915-74-5
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C12H16O4
- Molecular Weight: 224.25 g/mol
2-Isopropoxyethyl salicylate is characterized by its ester functional group, which is crucial for its odor profile. The presence of the salicylate moiety contributes to its aromatic properties, often associated with sweet, floral, and balsamic notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
2-Isopropoxyethyl salicylate is known for its sweet, floral, and slightly balsamic odor. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with a smooth diffusion. The compound is typically used as a background note to enhance the overall realism of floral compositions in both flavors and fragrances. Specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is generally used in low concentrations to avoid overpowering other components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
This compound is not known to occur naturally and is typically synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications. Its formation involves the esterification of salicylic acid with 2-isopropoxyethanol. Due to its synthetic origin, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
2-Isopropoxyethyl salicylate is used in various flavor categories, including floral and sweet profiles. It acts as a modifier to enhance the complexity and depth of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. It is relatively stable under normal 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, 2-isopropoxyethyl salicylate is utilized in floral and oriental fragrance families. It serves as a middle note, providing a sweet and balsamic character that enhances the overall bouquet. Typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 1% in the final product, depending on the desired effect. Its volatility is moderate, contributing to the fragrance's longevity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general safety and labeling requirements.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; general safety and labeling standards apply.
- Latin America: Usage should comply with regional safety standards; specific data not found.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; usage should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally considered safe for use in fragrances; no specific IFRA restrictions noted.
- Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests low risk under normal use conditions; occupational exposure should be minimized through standard safety practices.
Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, but formulators should ensure compliance with relevant safety standards.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
2-Isopropoxyethyl salicylate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character to formulations. It synergizes well with other floral and balsamic notes, enhancing the overall complexity. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sweetness. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle, naturalistic floral background.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on 2-isopropoxyethyl salicylate is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety assessments.
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 2026-05-21 11:46:19 GMT (p2)