Benzyl Acetate

Benzyl Acetate – Complete Product Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer — Symrise

• 📂 CAS N° — 140-11-4

• ⚖️ MW — 150.17 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type — Fruity

• 📈 Odor Strength — High

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile — Powerful but “thin”, sweet floral, fresh and light, fruity odor reminiscent of Jasmin, Gardenia, Muguet, Lily and other flowers. Poor tenacity (Arctander)

• 👅 Flavor Profile — Frequently used in flavor compositions, for imitation Apple, Apricot, Banana, Butter, Cherry, Peach, Pear, Plum, Pineapple, Quince, Raspberry, Strawberry, Violet, etc (Arctander)

• ⚗️ Uses — Very extensively used in perfumery, from the lowest priced industrial odors to the most highly appreciated cosmetic fragrances, often constituting the main ingredient in a perfume oil. It is almost inevitably the largest component in Jasmin and Gardenia fragrances, and it enters in a multitude of other floral fragrance types in smaller proportions. Its poor tenacity is usually compensated for by proper blending with higher esters of Benzyl alcohol, and with suitable fixatives. In the industrial odors, the volatility of Benzyl acetate is often only an advantage (Arctander, 1969).

Historical Background

Benzyl Acetate was first synthesized and discovered in 1853. It is naturally found in essential oils such as jasmine and ylang-ylang, and was studied extensively during the 1910s by German scientists Albert Hesse and Friedrich Müller, who identified its presence in jasmine absolute, where it constitutes 20-35% of the extract (Wikipedia, 2024). The ability to synthetically produce Benzyl Acetate became more important with the rise of the synthetic fragrance industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Chemical Information

Chemical Name:

Benzyl Acetate

IUPAC Name:

Benzyl ethanoate

Chemical Formula:

C₉H₁₀O₂

Olfactory Profile

Benzyl Acetate is a well-known ester with a sweet, floral, and fruity scent. Its distinctive jasmine-like aroma is highly prized in the perfume industry, making it a core component in floral fragrance compositions. The fruity undertones, reminiscent of ripe pears and bananas, enhance its versatility, making it equally useful in fruity accords (Arctander, 1969).

Odor Characteristics:

• Sweet, floral (jasmine-like), fruity (pear, banana), and slightly balsamic.

Applications in Perfumery and Product Categories

Benzyl Acetate is widely used across several product categories due to its pleasant floral and fruity characteristics:

• Fine Fragrances: It is commonly employed in the heart notes of floral compositions, particularly in jasmine and white floral blends. Its sweet floral character also finds utility in fruity-floral combinations, where it brings balance and sweetness (Arctander, 1969)

• Personal Care Products: Its use in shampoos, lotions, and conditioners adds a sweet floral note that lasts throughout the day.

• Household Products: It is a favorite in air fresheners, fabric softeners, and detergents, where it imparts a long-lasting floral freshness (Wikipedia, 2024).

Fragrance Families:

• Floral: It plays a significant role in jasmine-based and white floral compositions, adding sweetness and depth.

• Fruity: Its fruity characteristics help enhance pear, banana, and apple notes, creating a lush, ripe sensation.

• Gourmand: Benzyl Acetate's sweet and fruity nature makes it a fitting addition to gourmand perfumes, often combined with vanilla and creamy accords for a mouthwatering effect (Arctander, 1969).

Usage in Fragrance Formulation

Concentration Levels:

• Fine Fragrance: Typically used at concentrations of 1% to 5% to lend a sweet, floral heart to fragrances.

• Personal Care Products: In shampoos and lotions, concentrations of up to 3% are common to ensure a lingering floral scent.

• Functional Products: In air fresheners and fabric care items, concentrations as high as 5-10% can be used to deliver a robust floral profile (IFRA, 2021).

Blending Suggestions:

• With White Florals: Benzyl Acetate blends beautifully with jasmine, tuberose, and ylang-ylang, enhancing the floral depth and adding a creamy, sweet element.

• With Fruity Notes: It works well with pear, apple, and banana, amplifying the natural sweetness and creating a richer fruit accord.

• With Gourmand Notes: Benzyl Acetate pairs effectively with vanilla, tonka bean, and creamy notes in gourmand fragrances, contributing to a sweet and edible quality (Arctander, 1969).

Regulatory Information and Safety

IFRA Guidelines:

Benzyl Acetate is regarded as safe for use in various cosmetic and fragrance products, with no significant restrictions. It is, however, important to adhere to International Fragrance Association (IFRA) guidelines to avoid overexposure:

• Maximum Usage Limits:

  • In fine fragrances, it can be used up to 5%.

  • In personal care products, concentrations up to 3-5% are permissible.

  • In functional products, such as air fresheners, concentrations as high as 10% are acceptable (IFRA, 2021).

Safety Considerations:

Benzyl Acetate is generally non-sensitizing but may cause mild skin or eye irritation in high concentrations. It is not considered toxic when used appropriately, but protective measures, such as wearing gloves and goggles, should be followed when handling the pure substance.

Environmental Impact

• Biodegradability: Benzyl Acetate is considered biodegradable, breaking down relatively quickly in environmental conditions. Its natural presence in plants supports its benign environmental profile.

• Aquatic Toxicity: While not highly toxic, care should still be taken to avoid large-scale release into aquatic systems, as esters can sometimes disrupt ecosystems if present in large quantities.

Conclusion

Benzyl Acetate is a versatile and vital molecule in perfumery, valued for its sweet floral and fruity qualities. From its discovery in 1853 to its continued use today, this molecule has played a key role in recreating jasmine, ylang-ylang, and fruity accords. Whether used in fine fragrances or household products, its ability to bring balance and sweetness makes it indispensable. With safe handling and adherence to regulatory guidelines, Benzyl Acetate remains a cornerstone of floral perfumery.

References

Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals). Allured Publishing Corporation.

International Fragrance Association (IFRA). (2021). IFRA Standards. Retrieved from https://ifrafragrance.org/

Wikipedia. (2024). Benzyl Acetate. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benzyl_acetate