FEMA 3221

Chemical properties

Phenethyl hexanoate has a fresh, fruity green, rosy, fresh, banana-like odor reminiscent of pineapple and a pleasant taste

Occurrence

Reported found in Burley tobacco, yellow passion fruit, blue cheese, beer, cognac, malt whiskey, cider, sherry, white wine, red wine, botrytised wine, rum, apple brandy, grape brandy, lamb’s lettuce and sea buckthorn.

The Uses of FEMA 3221

Phenethyl hexanoate is used in flavor compositions as a modifier in Banana, Pineapple, Strawberry, Peach, and other imitation flavors. The concentration is usually about 2 to 8 ppm in the finished product, but the title ester is not included in the American G. R.A.S. list and it can therefore not be used in food flavors in the U.S.A.

Preparation

Phenethyl hexanoate is produced by direct esterification of Phenylethylalcohol with n-Hexanoic acid under azeotropic conditions.

Aroma threshold values

Aroma characteristics at 1.0%: sharp, winey, cocoa, honey, vanilla, yeasty, floral with hints of jamy fruity nuances.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 10 ppm: cocoa, fruity, green, winey, fermented and slightly astringent.