What is 2-phenylpropyl Butyrate?
2-phenylpropyl Butyrate (CAS Number: 80866-83-7) is a synthetic ester compound used in the food industry as a flavoring agent. It belongs to the class of butyrate esters, which are commonly used in food flavoring applications. The compound consists of butyric acid esterified with 2-phenylpropanol, creating a volatile aromatic substance that contributes fruity and creamy flavor notes to food products.
Common Uses
2-phenylpropyl Butyrate is employed in the formulation of artificial and natural flavoring blends for various food categories. It is typically used in very small quantities—measured in parts per million—to achieve desired flavor profiles. Common applications include:
• Beverage flavoring (soft drinks, juices, dairy beverages)
• Confectionery and candy products
• Baked goods and desserts
• Dairy products (yogurt, ice cream)
• Processed snack foods
The compound is valued by flavorists for its ability to provide fruity character reminiscent of pineapple or similar tropical notes, often used in conjunction with other flavor components to create complex taste profiles.
Safety Assessment
2-phenylpropyl Butyrate has not received FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status. However, this designation does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS affirmation was not submitted to or completed with the FDA. The compound may still be used in foods through the Food Additive Petition process or under existing exemptions for flavoring substances.
According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with 2-phenylpropyl Butyrate and zero product recalls linked to this ingredient. This absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests no significant safety concerns have emerged from its use in food applications at typical consumption levels.
As a butyrate ester, the compound shares structural similarities with other widely-used food flavorings. The butyrate ester class has an established history of safe use in food flavoring applications. Metabolically, butyrate esters are typically hydrolyzed in the gastrointestinal tract to their component parts—butyric acid and alcohol—which are normal dietary constituents.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, 2-phenylpropyl Butyrate is regulated as a food additive and flavoring agent. While it lacks FDA GRAS status, it may be marketed as a component of flavoring substances under FDA regulations for food additives (21 CFR Part 170-180). The ingredient is included in flavor supplier inventories and is used in accordance with FDA guidelines for food additives.
The European Commission has established regulations for flavoring substances used in food, and approval status may vary by region. Manufacturers using this ingredient must comply with all applicable regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
Key Studies
Limited published peer-reviewed research specifically addresses 2-phenylpropyl Butyrate in isolation. However, safety evaluations of structurally similar butyrate esters and broader assessments of synthetic flavoring compounds provide relevant context. The compound's chemical class has been evaluated through the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA) process and similar industry safety frameworks.
The absence of FDA adverse event reports over decades of potential use suggests the compound has not demonstrated toxicological concerns at dietary exposure levels. Regulatory authorities generally recognize that flavoring substances used in small quantities—where intake is typically measured in micrograms to milligrams per day—carry minimal risk profiles.
For specific safety data, interested parties should consult technical safety summaries from flavor manufacturers or submit inquiries to the FDA's color and flavoring approval offices.