Aldehyde C16 EPG (Ethyl Phenyl Glycidate)

Technical Ingredient Overview

• 🔎 Chemical Name — Ethyl 3-Phenylglycidate

• 🧪 Synonyms — Aldehyde C-16, Strawberry Aldehyde, Ethyl Phenylglycidate

• 🧬 Chemical Formula — C₁₁H₁₂O₃

• 📂 CAS — 121-39-1

• 📘 FEMA — 2454

• ⚖️ MW — 192.21 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type — Fruity

• 📈 Odor Strength — Medium to strong

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile — Intensely sweet, fruity, strawberry-like, floral, slightly balsamic and powdery

• ⚗️ Uses — Fruity, gourmand and floral-fruity compositions; flavorings

• 🧴 Appearance — Colorless to pale yellow liquid

What is Aldehyde C16 EPG?

Aldehyde C16 EPG, chemically known as Ethyl 3-Phenylglycidate, is a potent synthetic aroma compound used widely in both perfumery and flavor formulation. Despite its common trade name, it is not a true aldehyde, but rather an epoxide ester that delivers an intensely sweet, strawberry-like aroma. This compound is renowned for its ability to evoke red berries, sugary confections, and ripe fruit pulp, making it a primary ingredient in strawberry and cherry accords, as well as in gourmand creations.

Historical Background

The commercial use of Ethyl 3-Phenylglycidate dates back to the early 20th century, a period characterized by the rise of synthetic fruit esters and glycidates. Although no single perfumery house is credited with its discovery, its widespread inclusion in both flavor and fragrance formulations is well-documented by the 1960s (Arctander, 1969). The misnomer "Aldehyde C16" reflects perfumery tradition rather than chemical accuracy, aligning it with a family of aldehydic-smelling compounds often used to enhance top notes, even though its structure lacks the aldehyde functional group.

This compound gained popularity due to its strong olfactory resemblance to strawberries—a fruit notoriously difficult to represent in perfumery through natural extractions. It also became integral to confectionery-style perfumery in the mid to late 20th century, especially in youth-targeted fragrances and cosmetic-grade products.

Olfactory Profile

Scent Family

Fruity – Gourmand

Main Descriptors

• Sweet

• Strawberry

• Red berry

• Floral (powdery rose-like)

• Balsamic undertone

Intensity, Tenacity & Volatility

Aldehyde C16 has medium-to-high intensity, with moderate tenacity. While not a fixative, it excels as a top-to-heart enhancer, bringing radiance and mouthwatering appeal to blends. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to persist longer than typical top notes without overpowering a composition.

Applications in Fine Fragrance

It is typically used in:

• Strawberry, raspberry and cherry accords

• Gourmand fragrances, especially those mimicking candy, jam, or syrup

• Fruity-floral constructions, particularly enhancing rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang

• Youth-oriented scents and playful cosmetic creations

Common pairings include:

• Heliotropin (for almond-powdery nuance)

• Aldehyde C14 (Peach Aldehyde) and γ-undecalactone (for broadening the fruit accord)

• Ethyl maltol, vanillin, and ionones (for deeper gourmand effects)

Performance in Formula

• Works effectively at 0.1%–2.0% concentration in fine fragrance

• Excellent diffusion, particularly in alcohol-based media

• Stable under neutral pH conditions

• Compatible with most floral, fruity, and lactonic compounds

• Not suitable as a fixative but enhances perceived sweetness and brightness of blends

Industrial & Technical Uses

Aldehyde C16 EPG is extensively employed outside fine fragrance in:

• Flavorings: particularly for strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and peach notes in beverages, candy, dairy, and bakery products (FEMA 2454)

• Air care: home sprays, candles, diffusers

• Personal care: soaps, shampoos, creams with fruity appeal

• Oral hygiene: occasional use in flavored toothpastes or mouthwashes

Its ability to evoke an intensely recognizable red fruit character makes it valuable across various consumer product categories where sweetness and fruitiness are central to consumer appeal.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• IFRA Status: ✅ Allowed under IFRA 51st Amendment — not specifically restricted, though typical use levels apply per product class.

• FEMA Number: ✅ 2454 – Recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) for food flavoring

• GHS Classification: ⚠️

  • H319 – Causes serious eye irritation

  • H315 – Causes skin irritation

• EU Cosmetics Regulation: ✅ Permitted. Not listed among mandatory allergens in Annex III (EC No 1223/2009)

• REACH: Registered under EU REACH; classified as low environmental concern under standard use

• Toxicology:

  • Low acute oral and dermal toxicity

  • Slight skin and eye irritant at high concentrations

  • No known carcinogenic or mutagenic effects under standard usage

Additional Informations

• Storage: Store tightly sealed in cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Protect from light and air.

• Stability: Good long-term stability in alcohol-based perfumes. Sensitive to strong acids and bases (risk of polymerization).

• Handling: Avoid direct skin contact; use gloves and eye protection.

• Environmental Fate: Biodegradable; not expected to persist in aquatic systems under typical use concentrations.

References

• Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals). Montclair, NJ: Self-published.

• Sell, C. S. (2014). The Chemistry of Fragrances (2nd ed.). Royal Society of Chemistry.

• FEMA. (2023). FEMA GRAS list for Flavor Substances. Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States. Retrieved from https://www.femaflavor.org

• ECHA. (2024). Substance Information – Ethyl 3-Phenylglycidate (CAS 121-39-1). European Chemicals Agency. https://echa.europa.eu

• IFRA. (2023). IFRA Standards Library – 51st Amendment. International Fragrance Association. https://ifrafragrance.org