Ethyl Benzoate

Synthetic Ingredient Overview

• 🔎 Chemical Name: Ethyl benzoate

• 🧪 Synonyms: Benzoic acid ethyl ester

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₉H₁₀O₂

• 📂 CAS N°: 93-89-0

• 📘 FEMA: 2439

• ⚖️ MW: 150.17 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type: Narcotic Fruity

• 📈 Odor Strength: High impact, medium persistence

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Sweet, rich, heavy-fruity; notes of black currant, grape

• ⚗️ Uses: Floral amplifier, narcotic-fruity modifier, leather-fixative blender

• 🧴 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid

What is Ethyl Benzoate?

Ethyl benzoate is the ethyl ester of benzoic acid, typically obtained via Fischer esterification of benzoic acid and ethanol. It is a volatile organic compound used in perfumery for its fruit-heavy, sweet character and strong diffusion. As a small ester, it is structurally simple yet delivers a narcotic weight, suitable for floral systems where an overlay of richness or depth is needed.

While it is not present in high concentrations in nature, ethyl benzoate can be found in trace amounts in certain fruits and fermented beverages.

Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications

Ethyl benzoate emits a sweet, dense, fruit-forward note with subtle overtones of grape and black currant. The overall effect is slightly wine-like and syrupy, making it highly effective in:

• Ylang-Ylang accords – supports narcotic, balsamic floral tones

• Tuberose and Carnation bases – enhances spiciness and lift

• Labdanum + Leather accords – adds syrupy complexity and body

• Exotic Florals – provides volume and diffusion with a fruity dimension

• Amber-based Orientals – softens sharp balsamic facets

Due to its strength, it is typically used in trace amounts (below 2–3%) to avoid overpowering the formulation.

Industrial & Technical Uses

Ethyl benzoate is soluble in alcohol and widely compatible with oil-based perfumery systems. It is occasionally used outside fine fragrance in:

• Functional fragrances for household cleaners or polishes with floral character

• Industrial aromas as a masking agent or scent enhancer

• Flavor applications in imitation grape or fruity systems (regulated; low ppm)

Its volatility makes it less persistent, but it performs well in synergy with fixatives like musks or balsamic resins.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• IFRA Guidelines:
  Not subject to specific restriction under IFRA 51st Amendment (2023) but should be assessed in context of finished formulation concentration.

• EU Allergen Status (Reg. 1223/2009):
  Ethyl benzoate is not one of the 26 declarable fragrance allergens in cosmetic labeling.

• FEMA / GRAS Status:
  FEMA No. 2439 – Approved for use in flavorings in trace amounts under GRAS status.

• REACH / ECHA Classification:
  Registered under REACH; not classified as hazardous under CLP regulations.
  Low acute toxicity and not considered sensitizing at normal usage levels.

• Environmental Fate:
  Readily biodegradable. No significant aquatic toxicity under proper use.

✅ Ethyl benzoate is considered safe and compliant for use in perfumery and flavoring within established concentration limits. It has no known CMR classification and is not an endocrine disruptor.

Related Scentspiracy Ingredients

• Methyl Anthranilate: Grape-neroli profile with sweet-fruity facets

• Phenyl Ethyl Acetate: Floral-fruity, with green rose and pear nuances

• Labdanum ABS Excellent base for leather-floral systems

Sources

• Scentspiracy Internal Notes – Fulvio Ciccolo

• PubChem Compound Summary – CID 7165

• Perfume and Flavor Chemicals – S. Arctander (1969)

• FEMA GRAS Database – FEMA No. 2439

• ECHA Substance Information – Ethyl benzoate (93-89-0)