FlavScents AInsights Entry for Apple Crotonate (CAS: 35206-51-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Apple Crotonate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate
• CAS Number: 35206-51-0
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C7H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 130.19 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Apple crotonate is an ester, a functional group known for its fruity and sweet odor characteristics. The ester linkage contributes to its volatility and pleasant aroma, making it relevant in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

• Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Apple crotonate is characterized by a fruity, apple-like aroma with sweet undertones. It is often described as having a fresh, juicy apple scent with moderate intensity and good diffusion.
• Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported, but esters like apple crotonate typically have low odor thresholds, contributing to their effectiveness in small concentrations.
• Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in flavor compositions, providing a distinct apple character and enhancing the overall fruitiness of a formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

• Known Natural Sources: Apple crotonate is not typically found in nature but can be synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications.
• Formation Pathways: It is commonly produced through esterification, a chemical reaction between an alcohol and an acid.
• Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: As a synthetic compound, apple crotonate does not qualify for natural flavor or fragrance designation unless derived from natural sources through approved processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

• Flavor Categories and Applications: Apple crotonate is used in fruit flavors, particularly apple, pear, and other related profiles. It is also used in confectionery, beverages, and bakery products.
• Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a characterizing agent, providing a distinct apple note and enhancing the overall fruitiness.
• Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 1 to 10 ppm in finished products, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type.
• Stability Considerations: Apple crotonate is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

• Fragrance Families and Product Types: It is used in fruity and floral fragrance compositions, including personal care products and household items.
• Functional Role: Apple crotonate serves as a modifier and impact note, adding freshness and a fruity character.
• Typical Concentration Ranges: It is typically used at concentrations of 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations.
• Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It contributes primarily to the top notes due to its volatility, providing an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
• European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not clearly reported.
• United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations unless specified otherwise.
• Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported.
• Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values. Esters like apple crotonate are generally considered safe at low concentrations typical in flavor applications.
• Dermal Exposure: Not reported to cause irritation or sensitization at typical fragrance concentrations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but no specific occupational hazards reported.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

• Why This Material is Valuable: Apple crotonate provides a distinct and recognizable apple note, enhancing fruit profiles in both flavors and fragrances.
• Typical Synergies: Works well with other fruity esters and aldehydes to create complex fruit profiles.
• Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma.
• Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

• Well-Established Data: Basic chemical and sensory properties are well-documented.
• Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and applications are often based on industry experience rather than formal studies.
• Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited.

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 15:44:39 GMT (p2)