Fruity

Ethyl Acetate

Note Profile

Natural

About

Ethyl acetate is a small, highly volatile ester used in perfumery both as a solvent and as a light fruity odorant. It has a sweet, ethereal, solventy-fruity smell reminiscent of pear drops, pineapple and young wine, with brandy-like alcoholic nuances. In fragrances it appears mainly in the top notes, where it adds brightness, lift and alcoholic or green-fruit facets.

Scent Profile

Ethyl acetate has a sweet, ethereal fruity odor often described as pear drop-like, with hints of pineapple, grape and general mixed fruit. At low levels it reads as bright, volatile fruitiness and a slightly winey or brandy-like alcoholic nuance; at higher concentrations its solvent character becomes more obvious and can be perceived as somewhat sharp or harsh. It evaporates very quickly, contributing primarily an initial burst of fruity, liquor-like freshness rather than a lasting note.

Citrus 25%

Floral 0%

Fruity 70%

Green 15%

Sweet 25%

Warm 10%

Woody 0%

Earthy 0%

Animalic 0%

Fresh 25%

Origin

Chemically, ethyl acetate is the ethyl ester of acetic acid, produced industrially by esterifying ethanol with acetic acid, typically via acid catalysis. It also occurs naturally in fruits and is a major ester produced during fermentation, contributing to the aroma of wines, brandies and some traditional spirits. In perfumery and cosmetics it is supplied as a clear, low-viscosity liquid, often of high purity, with both technical and so-called natural grades available depending on the feedstock and process.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use ethyl acetate primarily as an extremely volatile top note and as a functional solvent in fragrance compositions. In creative terms, it is used at low levels to add sparkling lift to citrus and fruity accords, to help build green pear or other light fruit facets, and to give realistic alcoholic nuances to wine, rum or brandy-type notes. Because of its rapid evaporation and solvent power, it also helps carry and diffuse other top notes, though its own odor generally fades within minutes on skin or a blotter.