terpinyl butyrate

Terpinyl butyrate, also known as α-terpinyl butyrate, is an ester with the molecular formula C14H24O2. This colorless liquid typically exhibits a sour, fruity balsamic and floral odor along with a bittersweet plum flavor. The compound is identified by several synonyms reflecting its chemical structure, such as butyric acid p-menth-1-en-8-yl ester. Terpinyl butyrate is naturally found in certain essential oils, including cypress, eucalyptus diversicolor, and niaouli. It is widely employed in flavor and fragrance formulations, and detailed chemical and safety information is indexed in major databases like PubChem, which provides structured linking for research and industry reference. Its sensory profile makes it useful for imparting fresh, fruity, floral, and balsamic nuances in perfumery and flavoring applications.

Terpinyl butyrate occurs naturally in essential oils from plants such as cypress, eucalyptus diversicolor, and niaouli. Its scent and flavor characteristics enable its use as a versatile ingredient in flavor and fragrance industries. The compound is applied in perfuming agents and serves as a cypress oil replacer in aromatic blends. According to IFRA (Global) standards, usage restrictions ensure safe incorporation into consumer products. Its flavor applications include enhancing notes reminiscent of apricot, bergamot, plum, and cherry. Additionally, it provides balsamic and fruity facets in formulations designed to mimic natural, fresh outdoors, or woody accords. This ester’s versatility supports its utilization in various product types, including baked goods, beverages, confectionery, and personal care products, respecting the regulatory limits established by FEMA (US) and IFRA.

Terpinyl butyrate is a relatively hydrophobic ester exhibiting a molecular weight of approximately 224.34 g/mol. It has a boiling point range of 244 to 246°C at standard atmospheric pressure and a low vapor pressure of about 0.005 mmHg at 25°C, indicating low volatility under ambient conditions. The compound's specific gravity ranges from 0.962 to 0.968 at 15.5°C, reflecting its liquid state and moderate density. Its estimated log P value of 4.754 suggests significant lipophilicity, influencing its solubility and partitioning behavior in formulations. Terpinyl butyrate is soluble in alcohol but only sparingly soluble in water, which can affect its incorporation method into aqueous or hydrophobic matrices. The flash point is relatively high at 212°F (100°C), indicating moderate flammability risk. These properties dictate cautious handling and formulation considerations in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications.

(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
FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):	View
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	HMDB32053
FooDB:	FDB008758
Export Tariff Code:	2915.60.0000
VCF-Online:	VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:	View

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xi - Irritant
R 36/38 - Irritating to skin and eyes. 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 36 - Wear suitable protective clothing.
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 terpinyl butyrate usage levels up to:
	8.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-EU):		5.10 (μg/capita/day)
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:		-	9.50000
beverages(nonalcoholic):		-	6.40000
beverages(alcoholic):		-	-
breakfast cereal:		-	-
cheese:		-	-
chewing gum:		-	210.00000
condiments / relishes:		-	-
confectionery froastings:		-	-
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		-	-
fish products:		-	-
frozen dairy:		-	9.20000
fruit ices:		-	9.20000
gelatins / puddings:		-	-
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		-	-
hard candy:		-	11.00000
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

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):

Opinion of the Scientific Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC) related to Flavouring Group Evaluation 18 (FGE.18): Aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic saturated and unsaturated tertiary alcohols, aromatic tertiary alcohols and their esters from chemical group 6 View page or View pdf

Flavouring Group Evaluation 18, Revision 1 (FGE. 18 Rev1)[1] : Aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic saturated and unsaturated tertiary alcohols, aromatic tertiary alcohols and their esters from chemical groups 6 and 8 View page or View pdf

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):2153-28-8

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :578423

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:2

2-(4-methyl-1-cyclohex-3-enyl)propan-2-yl butanoate

Chemidplus:0002153288