FlavScents AInsights Entry for para-Anisyl Acetate (CAS: 104-21-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): para-Anisyl acetate
• IUPAC Name: 4-Methoxyphenyl acetate
• CAS Number: 104-21-2
• FEMA Number: 2086
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.013
• Molecular Formula: C9H10O3
• Molecular Weight: 166.17 g/mol

para-Anisyl acetate is an ester compound characterized by the presence of a methoxy group attached to a phenyl ring, which is further linked to an acetate group. This structure contributes to its sweet, floral, and slightly fruity odor profile, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

para-Anisyl acetate is known for its sweet, floral, and slightly fruity aroma, reminiscent of hawthorn and mimosa. It is often described as having a moderate intensity with a pleasant diffusion. The compound serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a floral character that enhances the overall sensory experience. Specific odor thresholds are not widely reported, but its role as a modifier and impact note is well recognized in both flavor and fragrance contexts.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

para-Anisyl acetate naturally occurs in certain essential oils, such as those derived from hawthorn and mimosa. It can also be formed through esterification processes involving anisyl alcohol and acetic acid. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.

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

4. Use in Flavors

para-Anisyl acetate is utilized in various flavor categories, including floral, fruity, and sweet profiles. It is commonly used in confectionery, beverages, and bakery products to impart a floral sweetness. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering floral notes. The compound is generally stable under typical food processing conditions, although it may be susceptible to hydrolysis under extreme pH conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, para-Anisyl acetate is valued for its contribution to floral and sweet fragrance families. It is used in perfumes, soaps, and personal care products as a modifier and impact note, often in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1%. Its volatility allows it to function as a middle note, providing a lasting floral character that complements other fragrance components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions exist across regions, although formulators should verify specific country requirements due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, para-Anisyl acetate is considered safe at typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is considered low risk for irritation and sensitization, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, with occupational exposure considered safe under standard handling practices. Risk profiles are consistent across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

para-Anisyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering floral note, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should balance its concentration carefully to achieve the desired sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on para-Anisyl acetate is well-established, with consistent findings across authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, although some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information readily available through reputable sources.

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 2026-04-06 14:23:01 GMT (p2)