ReviewFragrance material review on phenethyl butyrate
Introduction
This document provides a comprehensive summary of the human health toxicological data currently available pertaining to the safety evaluation of phenethyl butyrate when used as a fragrance ingredient. All safety data on phenethyl butyrate (see Fig. 1; CAS Number 103-52-6) were compiled with due diligence including published and unpublished data.
In 2010, a complete literature search was conducted on phenethyl butyrate. On-line toxicological databases were searched including those from the Chemical Abstract Services (e.g. ToxCenter [which in itself contains 18 databases including chemical abstracts]) and the National Library of Medicine (e.g. Medline, Toxnet [which contains 14 databases]) as well as 26 additional sources (e.g. BIOSIS, Embase, RTECS, OSHA, ESIS). In addition, all RIFM sponsored studies and studies from fragrance companies are included in this summary.
The safety data on this material were last reviewed by Opdyke, 1979. Data from all relevant references are summarized in this fragrance material review (FMR). Commonly used terms and their abbreviations are listed in Appendix A. More details have been provided for unpublished data. The number of animals, sex and strain are always provided unless they are not given in the original report or paper. Papers in which the vehicles and/or the doses are not given were included and noted in this summary because either they demonstrated an adverse effect or there were limited to no data on this fragrance ingredient.
Section snippets
Identification
- 2.1
Synonyms: Benzylcarbinyl butyrate; Butanoic acid, 2-phenylethyl ester; 2-phenylethyl butanoate; Phenylethyl butyrate; 2-phenylethyl butyrate
- 2.2
CAS registry number: 103-52-6
- 2.3
EINECS number: 203-119-8
- 2.4
Formula: C12H16O2
- 2.5
Molecular weight: 192.26
- 2.6
Council of Europe (2000): Phenethyl butyrate was included by the Council of Europe in the list of substances granted B - information required - hydrolysis study (COE No. 506).
- 2.7
FDA: Phenethyl butyrate was approved by the FDA as GRAS (21 CFR 172.515)
- 2.8
FEMA (1965):
Physical properties1
- 3.1
Physical form: Colorless liquid
- 3.2
Boiling point (calculated): 269.08 °C
- 3.3
Flash point: >200 °F;CC
- 3.4
Henry’s law (calculated): 3.312 e–005 Pa m3/mol
- 3.5
Log Kow (calculated): 3.55
- 3.6
Refractive index: Not available
- 3.7
Specific gravity: 0.993
- 3.8
Vapor pressure (calculated): 0.00859 mm Hg at 25 °C
- 3.9
Water solubility (calculated): 44.15 mg/l
- 3.10
UV spectra available at RIFM; peaks at 200–210 nm and returns to base line at: 230 nm
Usage
Phenethyl butyrate is a fragrance ingredient used in many compounds. It may be found in fragrances used in decorative cosmetics, fine fragrances, shampoos, toilet soaps, other toiletries, and non-cosmetic products such as household cleaners and detergents. This material has been reported to occur in nature, with highest quantities observed in mentha oils (VCF, 2011). The worldwide volume of use for phenethyl butyrate is in the region of 0.1–1.0 metric tons per year (IFRA, 2008a). This reported
Oral studies
The LD50 of phenethyl butyrate was 4.6 (4.2–5.0) ml/kg [4.57 (4.17–4.97) g/kg]. The test material was administered by oral gavage to rats (10/group) at doses of 4, 4.5 or 5 ml/kg (3.97, 4.47 or 4.97 g/kg) followed by a 14 day observation period. The incidence of mortality was 2/10, 4/10 and 7/10 from low to high dose. The sex and strain of the animals and clinical signs of toxicity were not reported. A necropsy was not conducted (RIFM, 1974a).
Dermal studies
The LD50 of phenethyl butyrate was greater than 5.0
Conflict of Interest
This research was supported by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, an independent research institute that is funded by the manufacturers of fragrances and consumer products containing fragrances.
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