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2-ethyl hexyl acetate

2-ethyl hexyl acetate is an organic ester used mainly as a flavor and fragrance agent noted for its earthy and woody aromatic properties.
Chemical Structure

General Material Description

2-ethyl hexyl acetate is an organic ester with the molecular formula C10H20O2, known chemically as the acetate ester of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol. It appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic earthy and woody odor profile. In sensory domains, it imparts notes resembling cypress, pine, fern, and subtle herbaceous undertones, making it valuable in fragrance compositions. Synonyms include acetic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester and 2-ethyl-1-hexyl acetate among others. As a compound, it is listed under a controlled vocabulary in ChEBI. Industrially, it is synthesized typically by esterification of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and acetic acid and is recovered for use primarily in flavor and fragrance applications.

Occurrence, Applicability & Potential Uses

This ester naturally occurs in trace amounts in some dairy products, including milk, contributing to subtle flavor aspects. It is widely applied in the flavor and fragrance industries as a component that adds earthy, woody, and herbal notes to perfumes and flavor formulations. 2-ethyl hexyl acetate functions as a solvent and is used as a substitute for natural materials such as cypress oil and fir needle oil. Its presence enhances fragrance blends including oriental, patchouli, vetiver, and galbanum accords. The chemical sees use as a flavoring agent, where its pine and green pea-like aspects are beneficial. Regulatory standards including FEMA (US) integrate limits for its use in food flavors, reflecting its acceptance and safety profile in controlled amounts.

Physico-Chemical Properties Summary

2-ethyl hexyl acetate is a clear, colorless liquid with a boiling point between 196 and 199°C at atmospheric pressure, indicating moderate volatility suitable for fragrance evaporation and flavor release. Its specific gravity ranges from 0.87 to 0.876 at 25°C, and its refractive index varies approximately from 1.417 to 1.423 at 20°C. The compound exhibits a relatively low vapor pressure of 0.413 mmHg at 25°C, reflecting moderate volatility. Its estimated logP value around 3.686 signifies lipophilic character, supporting its solvent properties and affinity for oily phases in formulations. The flash point near 71°C (160°F) calls for measured handling precautions. It is soluble in alcohol and has low water solubility (approximately 38.59 mg/L at 25°C). These attributes influence its efficacy and handling in flavors, fragrances, and solvents.

FAQ

What is 2-ethyl hexyl acetate and how is it characterized?
2-ethyl hexyl acetate is an organic ester derived from 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and acetic acid. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive earthy and woody odor, used primarily in flavor and fragrance applications. Chemically, it is identified by the formula C10H20O2 and has synonyms such as acetic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester. Industrially sourced via esterification, it contributes aromatic notes reminiscent of pine, fern, and herbal impressions.
Where does 2-ethyl hexyl acetate occur naturally and how is it used?
This compound is found in trace quantities in natural products like milk, influencing subtle flavor components. Its applications span flavoring, where it enhances pea and pine notes, and fragrance, where it serves as a component imparting woody, earthy, and herbaceous aromas. Additionally, it acts as a solvent and can replace natural substances such as cypress and fir needle oils in perfumery. Usage levels are defined by industry and regulatory bodies to ensure product safety.
What safety and regulatory standards govern the use of 2-ethyl hexyl acetate?
2-ethyl hexyl acetate is regulated for use in flavors and fragrances under guidelines such as FEMA (US) and IFRA (Global). Its safety has been assessed with data indicating it is an irritant to eyes, respiratory system, and skin but without classification as hazardous under OSHA HCS standards. Usage limits in fragrances may reach up to 4% in concentrate, and maximum daily intake limits have been established. Safety datasheets and fragrance material safety evaluations provide guidance for proper use and exposure control.

US / EU / FDA / JECFA / FEMA / Scholar / Patents

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Other Information

(IUPAC):Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):Periodic Table of the Elements
CHEBI:View
CHEMBL:View
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):Search
Export Tariff Code:2915.39.9000
VCF-Online:VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:View
Formulations/Preparations:
grade: technical (about 95%).

General Material Information

Preferred name 2-ethyl hexyl acetate
Trivial Name 2-Ethylhexyl acetate
Short Description acetic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester
Formula C10 H20 O2
CAS Number 103-09-3
Deleted CAS Number 12261-98-2
Flavis Number 9.381
ECHA Number 203-079-1
FDA UNII 2C7K8OA8SB
Nikkaji Number J46.181D
Beilstein Number 1758321
MDL MFCD00027249
xLogP3-AA 3.20 (est)
Bio Activity Summary External link
NMR Predictor External link
Synonyms
  • acetic acid 2-ethyl hexyl ester
  • acetic acid 2-ethylhexyl ester
  • acetic acid alpha-ethyl hexyl ester
  • acetic acid alpha-ethylhexyl ester
  • acetic acid, 2-ethylhexyl ester
  • beta- ethyl hexyl acetate
  • 2-ethyl hexyl ethanoate
  • 2-ethyl-1-hexanol acetate
  • 2-ethyl-1-hexyl acetate
  • 2-ethylhexanyl acetate
  • 2-ethylhexyl acetate
  • beta- ethylhexyl acetate
  • 2-ethylhexyl ethanoate
  • 2-octyl acetate (so called)
  • 1-Hexanol, 2-ethyl-, acetate
  • 2-Ethylhexyl acetate
  • 2-Ethyl-1-hexyl acetate
  • 2-Ethyl-1-hexanol acetate
  • Octyl acetate
  • β-Ethylhexyl acetate
  • NSC 8897
  • OctASOLV

PhysChem Properties

Material listed in food chemical codex No
Molecular weight 172.26780700684
Specific gravity @ 25 °C
Pounds per Gallon 7.239 to 7.289
Refractive Index 1.417 to 1.423 @ 20 °C
Boiling Point 196 to 199°C @ 760 mm Hg
Vapor Pressure 0.413 mmHg @ 25 °C
Flash Point TCC Value 71.11 °C TCC
logP (o/w) 3.686 est
Solubility
alcohol Yes
water, 38.59 mg/L @ 25 °C (est) Yes

Organoleptic Properties

Odor Type: Earthy
earthy, herbal, humus, dirty
General comment At 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol. earthy herbal humus undergrowth

Occurrences

Safety Information

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xi - Irritant
R 36/37/38 - Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin.
S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children.
S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
S 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
S 37/39 - Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection.
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
oral-rat LD50 3000 mg/kg
(Smyth & Carpenter, 1944)

oral-mouse LD50 > 3200 mg/kg
Kodak Company Reports. Vol. 21May1971

oral-rat LD50 3000 mg/kg
Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Vol. 26, Pg. 269, 1944.

Dermal Toxicity:
skin-guinea pig LD50 > 20 ml/kg
Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology. Vol. 26, Pg. 269, 1944.

skin-rabbit LD50 > 20 ml/kg
Union Carbide Data Sheet. Vol. 4/21/1967

Inhalation Toxicity:
inhalation-rat LC50 > 1100 ppm/6H
Kodak Company Reports. Vol. 21MAY1971

Safety in use information

Category:
flavor and fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
Recommendation for 2-ethyl hexyl acetate usage levels up to:
4.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-EU): 0.12 (μg/capita/day)
Modified Theoretical Added Maximum Daily Intake (mTAMDI): 3900 (μg/person/day)
Threshold of Concern:540 (μg/person/day)
Structure Class: II
Food categories according to Commission Regulation EC No. 1565/2000 (EC, 2000) in FGE.06 (EFSA, 2002a). According to the Industry the "normal" use is defined as the average of reported usages and "maximum use" is defined as the 95th percentile of reported usages (EFSA, 2002i).
Note: mg/kg = 0.001/1000 = 0.000001 = 1/1000000 = ppm.
average usage mg/kgmaximum usage mg/kg
Dairy products, excluding products of category 02.0 (01.0): 7.0000035.00000
Fats and oils, and fat emulsions (type water-in-oil) (02.0): 5.0000025.00000
Edible ices, including sherbet and sorbet (03.0): 10.0000050.00000
Processed fruit (04.1): 7.0000035.00000
Processed vegetables (incl. mushrooms & fungi, roots & tubers, pulses and legumes), and nuts & seeds (04.2): --
Confectionery (05.0): 10.0000050.00000
Chewing gum (05.3): --
Cereals and cereal products, incl. flours & starches from roots & tubers, pulses & legumes, excluding bakery (06.0): 5.0000025.00000
Bakery wares (07.0): 10.0000050.00000
Meat and meat products, including poultry and game (08.0): 2.0000010.00000
Fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms (MCE) (09.0): 2.0000010.00000
Eggs and egg products (10.0): --
Sweeteners, including honey (11.0): --
Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads, protein products, etc. (12.0): 5.0000025.00000
Foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses (13.0): 10.0000050.00000
Non-alcoholic ("soft") beverages, excl. dairy products (14.1): 5.0000025.00000
Alcoholic beverages, incl. alcohol-free and low-alcoholic counterparts (14.2): 10.0000050.00000
Ready-to-eat savouries (15.0): 20.00000100.00000
Composite foods (e.g. casseroles, meat pies, mincemeat) - foods that could not be placed in categories 01.0 - 15.0 (16.0): 5.0000025.00000

Safety references

European Food Safety Athority(EFSA):Flavor usage levels; Subacute, Subchronic, Chronic and Carcinogenicity Studies; Developmental / Reproductive Toxicity Studies; Genotoxicity Studies...

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reference(s):

Flavouring Group Evaluation 04 - 2-Ethylhexyl derivatives from chemical group 2 - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in contact with Food (AFC)
View page or View pdf

EPI System: View
AIDS Citations:Search
Cancer Citations:Search
Toxicology Citations:Search
EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):103-09-3
EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data
EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry
Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :7635
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data
WGK Germany:1
2-ethylhexyl acetate
Chemidplus:0000103093
EPA/NOAA CAMEO:hazardous materials
RTECS:AH5600000 for cas# 103-09-3