FlavScents AInsights Entry for Benzyl Acetate (CAS: 140-11-4)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Benzyl Acetate
• IUPAC Name: Benzyl ethanoate
• CAS Number: 140-11-4
• FEMA Number: 2135
• Other Identifiers: FL number 09.013, CoE number 117
• Molecular Formula: C9H10O2
• Molecular Weight: 150.17 g/mol

Benzyl acetate is an ester formed from benzyl alcohol and acetic acid. It features a benzyl group attached to an acetate group, which contributes to its characteristic sweet, floral aroma reminiscent of jasmine. The ester functional group is crucial for its volatility and odor profile, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Benzyl acetate is known for its sweet, floral, and fruity aroma, often described as reminiscent of jasmine, ylang-ylang, and gardenia. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it an effective impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable scent even at low concentrations. In formulations, it serves as both an impact note and a modifier, enhancing the overall complexity and realism of the scent or flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Benzyl acetate naturally occurs in a variety of flowers, including jasmine, ylang-ylang, and gardenia, as well as in fruits like pears and apples. It is biosynthesized in plants through the esterification of benzyl alcohol with acetic acid. This compound is often used to confer a "natural" designation in flavors and fragrances due to its widespread occurrence in nature.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Benzyl acetate is utilized in a wide range of flavor categories, including fruit, floral, and confectionery profiles. It acts as a key impact note in these systems, providing a sweet and floral character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor profiles. It is generally stable under typical food processing conditions, though it may hydrolyze under extreme pH or prolonged heat exposure.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, benzyl acetate is a versatile component used across various fragrance families, including floral, fruity, and oriental. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility allows it to impart a fresh, floral scent that is both uplifting and long-lasting.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Benzyl acetate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: It is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number, indicating its approved use in food flavorings.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU, maintaining its approval for flavor use.
• Asia: In Japan and China, benzyl acetate is permitted for use in flavors, with specific guidelines varying by country.
• Latin America: Countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR recognize its use in flavors, adhering to international safety standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Benzyl acetate is considered safe for use in both flavors and fragrances, with a wide margin of safety. For oral exposure, it has a low acute toxicity, and its ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) is not specifically established, but it is generally recognized as safe at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, as supported by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is considered safe under normal use conditions, though occupational exposure limits should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Benzyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, floral character that enhances both flavor and fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, providing depth and complexity. Formulators should be mindful of its volatility and potential for hydrolysis under extreme conditions. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural profile, despite its widespread natural occurrence.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on benzyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some specific sensory thresholds and regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the compound's safety and efficacy are well-supported by existing literature.

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 2026-04-11 20:57:49 GMT (p2)