fusel oil

Fusel oil is a complex mixture composed primarily of higher alcohols, collected as a refined natural fraction during the distillation of alcoholic beverages or derived from agricultural sources such as beet root, grape, and potato. It appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic odor described as sweet, alcoholic, woody, and fruity, often accompanied by a brown fermented nuance. The flavor profile at typical use levels is fruity and reminiscent of brandy or wine lees. Synonyms include iso amyl fusel oil and whiskey fusel oil. It is linked to the PubChem entry under CAS 8013-75-0, underpinning its chemical identity. Fusel oil is naturally isolated from fermentation processes and subsequent concentration or refining steps to enhance its sensory characteristics.

Fusel oil occurs naturally in various fermentative sources such as beet root, grape, and potato, reflecting the metabolic by-products of microbial alcohol fermentation. Its complex alcohol composition imparts distinctive sweet and fruity aromas, which makes it valuable in the flavor and fragrance industry. It is frequently applied in enhancing flavors in beverages including whiskey and wine, as well as in baked goods, chocolate, coffee, savory products, and grape-derived items. Within fragrance formulations, fusel oil serves as a perfuming agent contributing to woody and fruity top notes. Regulatory guidelines such as FEMA (US) recognize fusel oil under FEMA number 2497, evaluating its safety and specifying maximum use levels in flavorings and fragrances, complemented by IFRA (Global) recommendations for fragrance concentration limits.

Fusel oil exhibits a boiling point range between 128 and 130°C at standard atmospheric pressure, indicating moderate volatility that influences evaporation and volatilization in formulations. It has a flash point of 107°F (approximately 42°C), necessitating cautious handling due to flammability. The mixture is soluble in water, alcohol, and ether, indicating versatile compatibility in aqueous and organic solvent systems. Proper storage in cool, dry, and sealed containers, protected from heat and light, can maintain its sensory and chemical integrity for at least 24 months or longer. These physicochemical traits govern its use in diverse beverage and fragrance matrices where solubility and volatility are critical factors.

Canada Domestic Sub. List:	8013-75-0
Pubchem (sid):	135286391

FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):	View
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	Search
FooDB:	FDB009459
VCF-Online:	VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
Wikipedia:	View

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xn - Harmful.
R 10 - Flammable. R 20/22 - Harmful by inhalation and if swallowed. R 36/37/38 - Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin. S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 16 - Keep away from sources of ignition - No Smoking. S 23 - Do not breath vapour. 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 33 - Take precautionary measures against static discharge. S 36/37/39 - Wear suitable clothing, gloves and eye/face protection. S 51 - Use only in well-ventilated areas.
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:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

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 fusel oil usage levels up to:
	0.8000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Use levels for FEMA GRAS flavoring substances on which the FEMA Expert Panel based its judgments that the substances are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The Expert Panel also publishes separate extensive reviews of scientific information on all FEMA GRAS flavoring substances and can be found at FEMA Flavor Ingredient Library
publication number: 3
Click here to view publication 3
		average usual ppm	average maximum ppm
baked goods:		-	34.00000
beverages(nonalcoholic):		-	21.00000
beverages(alcoholic):		-	2.50000
breakfast cereal:		-	-
cheese:		-	-
chewing gum:		-	270.00000
condiments / relishes:		-	-
confectionery froastings:		-	-
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		-	-
fish products:		-	-
frozen dairy:		-	4.10000
fruit ices:		-	4.10000
gelatins / puddings:		-	4.00000
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		-	-
hard candy:		-	30.00000
imitation dairy:		-	-
instant coffee / tea:		-	-
jams / jellies:		-	-
meat products:		-	-
milk products:		-	-
nut products:		-	-
other grains:		-	-
poultry:		-	-
processed fruits:		-	-
processed vegetables:		-	-
reconstituted vegetables:		-	-
seasonings / flavors:		-	-
snack foods:		-	-
soft candy:		-	-
soups:		-	-
sugar substitutes:		-	-
sweet sauces:		-	-

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):8013-75-0

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WISER:UN 1201

WGK Germany:3

Chemidplus:0008013750

EPA/NOAA CAMEO:hazardous materials