FlavScents AInsights Entry for Benzyl Phenyl Acetate (CAS: 102-16-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Benzyl phenyl acetate
• IUPAC Name: Benzyl 2-phenylacetate
• CAS Number: 102-16-9
• FEMA Number: 2130
• Other Identifiers: FL number 09.017
• Molecular Formula: C15H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 226.27 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Benzyl phenyl acetate is an ester, characterized by its aromatic benzyl and phenyl groups. These contribute to its sweet, floral, and fruity odor profile, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Benzyl phenyl acetate is known for its sweet, floral, and fruity aroma, reminiscent of jasmine and ylang-ylang. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with good diffusion properties. The compound is typically used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing a rich and complex floral character. In flavor applications, it can impart a sweet, fruity taste, although specific taste thresholds are not well-documented.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Benzyl phenyl acetate is found naturally in several essential oils, including ylang-ylang and jasmine. It can also be formed synthetically through the esterification of benzyl alcohol with phenylacetic 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

Benzyl phenyl acetate is utilized in various flavor categories, including floral, fruity, and sweet profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, often used to enhance the complexity and authenticity of fruit and floral notes. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. The compound is generally stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, benzyl phenyl acetate is a versatile ingredient used across multiple fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and chypre. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility allows it to blend well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall fragrance profile.

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 09.017.
• 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.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Benzyl phenyl acetate is considered safe for use in food flavors at typical concentrations, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. The compound falls under the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) for flavoring substances.
• Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, it is not known to cause significant irritation or sensitization at typical use levels. IFRA guidelines provide usage recommendations to ensure safety.
• Inhalation Exposure: As a volatile compound, inhalation exposure is possible, but no significant occupational hazards have been reported at standard usage levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Benzyl phenyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a rich, floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a blend if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle floral nuance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on benzyl phenyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While specific numeric thresholds for taste and odor are not always documented, industry practices provide reliable guidance. Some regional regulatory nuances may exist, but these are generally harmonized across major markets.

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 16:08:09 GMT (p2)