FlavScents AInsights Entry for 1-butoxyethyl acetate (CAS: 33931-54-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 1-butoxyethyl acetate
- IUPAC Name: 1-butoxyethyl acetate
- CAS Number: 33931-54-3
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Molecular Formula: C8H16O3
- Molecular Weight: 160.21 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 1-butoxyethyl acetate is an ester, which often contributes to fruity and sweet odors. The butoxy group can impart a mild, pleasant scent, making it useful in both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
1-butoxyethyl acetate is characterized by a mild, fruity odor with sweet undertones. It is often described as having a pear-like scent, which can be both refreshing and slightly floral. The intensity of the odor is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note or modifier in complex formulations. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but its sensory role typically involves enhancing the realism of fruit profiles or adding subtle sweetness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
1-butoxyethyl acetate is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for industrial use. It does not have a significant presence in natural sources, nor is it typically formed through natural biochemical pathways such as the Maillard reaction or fermentation. As a synthetic compound, 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
1-butoxyethyl acetate is used in flavor formulations to impart a fruity, sweet note, often enhancing pear, apple, or other fruit profiles. It serves as a background realism enhancer or a subtle modifier. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering effects. It is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, though care should be taken to avoid excessive heat or acidic environments that may lead to hydrolysis.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, 1-butoxyethyl acetate is utilized across various fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and fresh compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, providing a subtle sweetness and enhancing the overall complexity of the scent. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility places it primarily in the top to middle notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage in flavors and fragrances is subject to general safety evaluations.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage must comply with general safety standards.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited specific data; generally follows international safety guidelines.
- Latin America: Usage is subject to national regulations, with no specific listings found.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; general safety practices apply.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance use.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.
Risk profiles may differ slightly between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use requiring more stringent dermal safety evaluations.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
1-butoxyethyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a natural, fruity sweetness to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing overall complexity. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an artificial or cloying effect. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle, natural fruitiness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on 1-butoxyethyl acetate is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.
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 2026-04-08 07:40:01 GMT (p2)