Fragrance grade 98% Ethyl stearate CAS 111-61-5

What is ethyl stearate? How does it work? What are all the uses of fragrance grade ethyl stearate?

1. What is Ethyl stearate? How does it work?

Ethyl stearate, also known as ethyl stearate (or octadecanoate), is an ester formed from stearic acid (octadecanoic acid, a C18 saturated fatty acid) and ethanol. It is a widely used fatty acid ester flavoring ingredient in food and cosmetic flavorings (FEMA 3490, GRAS generally recognized as safe). Its molecular formula is:

C20H40O2 (CH3(CH2)16COOC2H5, molecular weight approximately 312.53; CAS No.: 111-61-5; EINECS No.: 203-887-4; FEMA No.: 3490)

It is a white, waxy solid at room temperature (slightly waxy), almost odorless or with a faint waxy or fatty aroma; melting point 34-38℃, boiling point 213-215℃ (15 mmHg), density 1.057 g/cm³, refractive index 1.4349, extremely low vapor pressure (3.01E-05 mmHg, 25℃), flash point greater than 110℃; insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol, ether, and most oils and fats. Industrially, it is produced by esterification of stearic acid and anhydrous ethanol under a catalyst, belonging to the category of fragrance raw materials derived from natural renewable fatty acids.

Structurally, ethyl stearate consists of a long-chain saturated alkyl group (C17 hydrophobic chain), an ester group (-COO-), and an ethyl group. The long-chain alkyl group gives it a mild waxy and lipophilic aroma and strong hydrophobicity, while the ester group contributes a rounded lipophilic sweetness. The overall molecular vapor pressure is extremely low and it is almost non-volatile, which gives it the dual qualities of "fragrance enhancement + fixation". It is a functional raw material that contributes oily feel and long-lasting base flavor in fragrance formulations.

Chemically, ethyl stearate is a chemically stable saturated fatty acid ester: it contains no carbon-carbon double bonds, is not easily oxidized or deteriorated, is not easily hydrolyzed in neutral media, is heat-resistant and has good storage properties, has extremely low vapor pressure, and maintains a stable and long-lasting flavor. It has low acute toxicity and is a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) substance for food flavoring (FEMA 3490). It is somewhat irritating to the eyes, respiratory system, and skin (GHS Xi, R36/37/38). It should be stored in a sealed, light-protected, cool, and dry place.

In terms of grading, "fragrance grade" as used in this article refers to ethyl stearate specifications that meet the quality and safety standards of the fragrance and flavor industry (such as the Food Flavoring Regulation GB 2760 and IFRA usage guidelines), and are used in food flavoring, tobacco flavoring, and daily chemical flavoring formulations.

From the perspective of mechanism of action, ethyl stearate exerts its effect through its unique properties of "flavor contribution + aroma fixation and sustained release + solubilization and aroma harmonization". The mechanism of action in different fragrance applications is as follows:

1.Flavor contribution mechanism (fatty aroma and meaty aroma)

Ethyl stearate has a mild waxy, fatty, milky aroma that adds to the oily feel and meaty base flavour. It is an important flavour constituent for the simulation of cured meat, gammon and other meat products aroma. The long-chain fatty acid ester structure is inherently similar to the odour of animal fat, and this is the basic principle that underlies its use as a food flavouring agent.

2.Fixative release mechanism (low vapor pressure locks in the aroma)

Ethyl stearate is essentially non-volatile and has a very low vapour pressure. When added to fragrances, it can slow down the escape of volatile aromas and extend the overall time of fragrance release. At the same time, the waxy base can form a stable and long-lasting base for fragrances, so it is a mild fixative component in daily chemical fragrances.

3.Solvent-based fragrance dissolution mechanism (oil-soluble dissolution)

It is a good oil solvent; miscible with many fragrance raw materials and oils. Ethyl stearate It can be used as a solvent and diluent for oil-based fragrance systems, which can help dissolve fat-soluble fragrance raw materials, adjust the viscosity and uniformity of fragrances, and at the same time contribute its own fat-based fragrance base, to achieve the integration of fragrance dissolution and fragrance enhancement.

4.Harmonious aroma mechanism (blending with the natural aroma of tobacco/food)

Ethyl stearate has a mild waxy aroma which can naturally and smoothly complement the natural aroma of tobacco and food ingredients. In flavouring tobacco it may improve the aroma and texture of smoke and increase mellowness. Used in food flavourings it blends with and intensifies the aroma of meat, milk, cocoa, etc. It is a multi-functional flavour modification component.

In summary, ethyl stearate is a multifunctional fatty acid ester in the flavor and fragrance industry, contributing to the aroma, flavor fixation, and flavor dissolution of food flavorings. As a component of food flavorings, it contributes to the base aroma of fat and meat; as a fixative, it prolongs the aroma persistence with low vapor pressure; as a solvent, it dissolves oily flavoring raw materials; and as a harmonizing component, it blends with the natural aroma of tobacco and food. It is one of the most widely used fatty acid ester flavoring raw materials.

What are all the uses of fragrance-grade Ethyl stearate?

1. Flavouring ingredients for cured meats and meat products (main application in the area of meat product flavourings)

Application fields: Meat Products Flavouring and Flavour Industry.

Related Products: Flavourings of cured meat/ham/sausage/bacon, flavourings of meat flavoured snack/instant noodle, flavourings of meat flavoured puffed food.

Why it works for this purpose: Ethyl stearate has a mild waxy, fatty and milky aroma, giving a rich, meaty base flavour and natural affinity for animal fat aromas. It is an important flavour contributor in re-creating the aromas of cured meats, gammon and other meat products (especially cured meat flavourings). Its GRAS status and low volatility provide a long-lasting and stable meaty aroma, which is an irreplaceable fatty-base flavouring ingredient in meat product flavouring formulations.

2. Flavouring ingredients for confectionery, frozen desserts and beverages (confectionery, beverage and food flavourings)

Application Domains: Confectionery And Beverage Flavour Industry.

Related Products: Flavourings for confectionery & chocolate, flavourings for frozen desserts & ice cream, flavourings for alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages.

Why it works for this purpose: Ethyl stearate lends a creamy, fatty aroma to confectionery, frozen dessert and beverage flavourings, providing a rounded, oily feel and a mellow, sweet aroma, and helping to enhance the richness of the flavour. Its GRAS status and chemical stability make it appropriate for long-term storage in food systems. FEMA/GB 2760 regulations limit its use and its application is very different from meat product flavourings, thus it is listed separately.

3. Flavourings for bakery and dairy products (bakery and dairy food flavourings)

Application Areas: Flavouring for baking and dairy.

Related Products: Biscuit / pastry / bread flavourings, dairy / cream / butter flavourings, baking flavour premixes.

Why it works for this purpose: Ethyl stearate’s buttery, milky aroma rounds out the creaminess, oiliness and lingering finish of baking and dairy flavourings. It enhances the aromas of butter, cream and vanilla to create a fuller, rounder flavour in baked goods. It is low in volatility, so it retains good aroma even after baking at a high temperature. This is quite different from the application in cured meat, confectionery and beverage flavourings, so it is sold separately.

4. Tobacco flavoring components (tobacco industry)

Area of use: tobacco products industry.

Corresponding Products: cigarette flavour components, tobacco sheet/reconstituted tobacco flavourings, e-cigarette e-liquid flavour components.

Why it works for this purpose: Ethyl stearate's mild waxy aroma blends naturally with the natural aroma of tobacco to improve flavour and texture of smoke, increasing smoothness and fullness and masking off-flavours. It has low volatility; therefore, the flavouring components can be released stably and persistently during cigarette storage and smoking. It is a commonly used fatty acid ester flavouring component in tobacco flavouring formulations.

5. Fragrance fixatives and oil-based solvents in the daily chemical fragrance field (Daily chemical fragrance field)

Use Cases: Daily chemical fragrances and perfumes.

Related Products: Fixative ingredients for soap, detergent and shampoo, fragrance ingredients for cosmetics, solvents and dilutants for oil-based fragrance systems, base notes and finishers for lipophilic and waxy fragrances.

Why it’s effective for this purpose: Ethyl stearate has a very low vapour pressure and is almost non-volatile, which slows down the escape of volatile top notes in fragrances and prolongs the longevity of the scent. It can also be used as a solvent in oil-based fragrance systems for dilution of lipophilic fragrance raw materials and viscosity adjustment due to its good oil solubility. At the same time it offers a long lasting base note with a mild waxy odour. They are both fragrance functional applications so they are combined into one application.

In summary, ethyl stearate (CAS 111-61-5, FEMA 3490) is a widely used fatty acid ester raw material in the flavor and fragrance industry. With its four major mechanisms of "flavor contribution, aroma fixation and sustained release, solubilization and aroma harmonization", it has mature applications in food flavoring, tobacco flavoring and daily chemical flavoring. Its characteristics of natural and renewable source, low volatility, chemical stability and GRAS safety status make it a classic fatty acid ester flavoring that contributes fatty and meaty aroma base and long-lasting aroma fixation.