Introduction
Ethyl Vanillate is a naturally derived ester, presenting as a white crystalline powder with a pleasant, balsamic, and vanilla-like aroma reminiscent of baked goods and coffee. It is a derivative of vanillic acid and a functional analog of the well-known flavor compound vanillin. Beyond its value as a flavor and fragrance ingredient, modern research highlights its significant antioxidant, antifungal, and therapeutic potential, making it a versatile compound for industries ranging from food technology to biomedical research and pharmaceutical development.
Physical & Chemical Parameters
| Parameter | Specification / Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Point | 41 - 46 °C | White crystalline solid at room temperature. |
| Boiling Point | ~108-110 °C (at 2 mmHg); ~291-293 °C (at 760 mmHg) | |
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, DMSO, methanol, ether. Practically insoluble in water. | For laboratory use, dissolves in DMSO up to 39-90 mg/mL. |
| Density | ~1.18 g/cm³ | |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | ~2.1 | Indicates moderate lipophilicity. |
| Safety Symbols | S22 - Do not breathe dust. S24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes. | Non-hazardous for transport. |
Mechanism of Action
Ethyl Vanillate exhibits a multi-target biological profile, with its primary mechanisms being enzymatic inhibition, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial action.
- Enzyme Inhibition (17β-HSD2): Ethyl Vanillate acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (17β-HSD2) with an IC₅₀ value of 1.3 µM. This enzyme is crucial in regulating the balance between active and inactive sex hormones (e.g., converting estradiol to estrone). Inhibition of 17β-HSD2 is a validated therapeutic strategy for conditions like osteoporosis and endometriosis.
- Potent Antioxidant Activity: The compound demonstrates strong free radical scavenging capability, outperforming standard antioxidants like Trolox in some assays. Its antioxidant effect is strongly correlated with its lipophilicity, allowing it to integrate into lipid membranes and protect cells from oxidative damage. This makes it effective in preventing lipid peroxidation in foods and biological systems.
- Antifungal/Antimicrobial Action: Ethyl Vanillate functions as a fungicide. Its antimicrobial properties involve disrupting normal cellular functions in target pathogens like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, potentially through membrane interaction.
Key Benefits & Advantages
- Dual-Function Ingredient: Serves as both a high-value flavor/fragrance and a bioactive compound with proven therapeutic potential.
- Clinically Relevant Bioactivity: Demonstrated efficacy in historical clinical applications for treating disseminated fungal infections (histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis), showing disease arrest in treated patients.
- Research-Backed Skin Benefits: Studies indicate topical Ethyl Vanillate can significantly enhance the repigmentation effect of narrow-band UVB therapy for vitiligo.
- High Purity & Stability: Available in research and commercial grades exceeding 98% purity, ensuring consistent performance and reliable results in formulations and experiments.
Primary Applications
- Food & Beverage Industry:
Flavoring Agent: Imparts warm, sweet, vanilla, and balsamic notes to baked goods, confectionery, beverages, and dairy products.
Natural Preservative: Its strong antioxidant properties help extend shelf life by preventing rancidity.
- Pharmaceutical & Cosmetic Research:
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Intermediate: Investigated for conditions related to hormone regulation (via 17β-HSD2 inhibition) and as an antifungal agent.
Cosmetic Active: Used in skincare for its antioxidant benefits and as a key component in therapies for vitiligo.
- Fragrance Industry: Used as a fragrance component in perfumes and personal care products for its pleasant, persistent aroma.
- Biochemical & Biomedical Research:
Research Tool: Used to study 17β-HSD2 enzyme function, oxidative stress pathways, and antifungal mechanisms.
Reference Standard: Serves as an analytical standard in chromatography.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between Ethyl Vanillate and Ethyl Vanillin?
A: They are different compounds. Ethyl Vanillin is a well-known synthetic vanilla flavor (3-ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde). Ethyl Vanillate is the ethyl ester of vanillic acid (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoic acid). It has a flavor profile but also possesses significant biological activities not prominent in ethyl vanillin.
Q: Is Ethyl Vanillate safe for use in food?
A: When used as a flavoring substance in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and within established use levels, it is considered safe. Its safety assessment for food use in regions like the European Union follows a stringent scientific guidance process.
Q: How is Ethyl Vanillate typically used in research?
A: In laboratory settings, it is commonly dissolved in DMSO to create stock solutions for cellular or biochemical assays. For in vivo studies, specific formulations are prepared using carriers like saline with solubilizers (e.g., PEG300, Tween-80).
Q: What are the storage requirements?
A: The powder should be stored in a tightly sealed container, protected from moisture and light. For long-term storage (years), desiccation at -20°C is recommended. Solutions in DMSO should be stored at -80°C for long-term use.
Contact Us
Elevate your product formulations and research projects with our premium-grade Ethyl Vanillate powder. We guarantee:
- Consistent, High Purity: Batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided.
- Global Compliance Support: Documentation to aid your regulatory submissions.
- Scalable Supply: From R&D samples to bulk commercial quantities.
Contact our sales team today to request a sample, discuss your specific application needs, or get a competitive quote. Let's explore how Ethyl Vanillate can add value to your next innovation.
Please contact us at ella.zhang@huilinbio-tech.com.




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