# Phenethyl Hexanoate

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/phenethyl-hexanoate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 6290-37-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Phenethyl hexanoate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity, floral notes in food and beverage products. It occurs naturally in small quantities in some fruits and is primarily utilized in the flavor industry to enhance taste profiles.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Phenethyl Hexanoate?

Phenethyl hexanoate (CAS Number 6290-37-5) is a synthetic ester compound belonging to the class of organic chemicals used as flavoring agents. The compound consists of a phenethyl group (derived from phenethyl alcohol) combined with hexanoic acid through ester linkage. While phenethyl hexanoate is synthesized for commercial use, similar compounds occur naturally in trace amounts in various fruits and plant materials, contributing to their characteristic aromas.

## Common Uses

Phenethyl hexanoate functions primarily as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry. It is employed to create or enhance fruity and floral flavor profiles in products such as beverages, baked goods, confectionery, dairy products, and other processed foods. The compound's sensory characteristics—described as having fruity, apple-like, and slightly floral notes—make it valuable for formulating complex flavor systems that appeal to consumer preferences for natural-tasting products.

As a flavoring adjuvant, phenethyl hexanoate may be used in combination with other flavor components to achieve desired taste and aroma profiles. It typically appears in formulations at very low concentrations, measured in parts per million (ppm), which is standard practice in the flavor industry.

## Safety Assessment

Phenethyl hexanoate has not been formally evaluated by the FDA for GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, meaning it does not have explicit FDA approval as a food additive in the United States. However, this regulatory designation does not necessarily indicate safety concerns. The compound has generated zero reported adverse events in FDA databases and zero associated recalls, suggesting no documented safety incidents from food consumption.

The compound's chemical structure is similar to naturally occurring esters found in foods, which may contribute to its apparent safety profile. Many ester compounds used in flavoring have extensive safety histories. The typical use levels in food applications—generally very low concentrations measured in ppm—further reduce potential exposure concerns.

Like other synthetic flavor compounds, phenethyl hexanoate would be subject to toxicological assessment if submitted for regulatory approval. The European Flavoring Industry has established safety assessment procedures for similar compounds, though phenethyl hexanoate's specific status within European regulatory frameworks may vary.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, phenethyl hexanoate does not have FDA GRAS status, which means it operates in a regulatory gray area. While not explicitly approved as a food additive, its use in flavoring applications has not been prohibited. Some manufacturers may use this compound under the assumption that it falls within acceptable use categories for flavoring agents, though formal regulatory approval would strengthen its standing.

The compound may be permitted or used in other regulatory jurisdictions, including the European Union, where flavoring agents operate under different approval frameworks. Manufacturers utilizing phenethyl hexanoate should verify compliance with their specific regional regulations and maintain appropriate documentation of safety assessments if required by their jurisdiction.

## Key Studies

Limited published literature exists specifically addressing phenethyl hexanoate's safety profile in peer-reviewed scientific journals. The absence of reported adverse events and FDA recalls suggests that actual consumption incidents are not being documented, though this does not constitute rigorous safety testing.

Safety assessments for similar ester-based flavoring compounds have generally demonstrated low toxicity when used at typical food flavoring concentrations. Ester compounds are typically metabolized by the body similarly to dietary fats and naturally occurring esters from foods, which provides some basis for safety presumptions.

Research into phenethyl hexanoate's chemical properties and sensory characteristics remains primarily within proprietary flavor chemistry literature rather than published academic databases. Further formal toxicological studies could provide additional safety documentation if regulatory approval were pursued.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Phenethyl Hexanoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/phenethyl-hexanoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.