1,3,5,7-undecatetraene

1,3,5,7-undecatetraene (CAS Number: 116963-97-4) is a synthetic organic chemical compound classified as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant. The compound is an unsaturated hydrocarbon containing eleven carbon atoms with four double bonds (hence the "tetraene" designation in its name). This structural configuration gives the molecule distinct chemical properties that contribute to its use in food flavoring applications.

This compound is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant, meaning it either directly imparts flavor to food products or enhances existing flavors. Like many synthetic flavor compounds, it is typically used in very small concentrations to achieve desired sensory characteristics. Its specific applications may include beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and other processed food products where complex flavor profiles are desired.

The compound represents part of a broader category of synthetic flavor chemicals that food manufacturers utilize to achieve consistent, reproducible flavor characteristics across product batches.

According to FDA records, there are no documented adverse events associated with 1,3,5,7-undecatetraene, and no food recalls have been issued related to this additive. These metrics suggest no acute safety incidents have been reported in association with its use.

However, it is important to note that this compound does not currently hold GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status from the FDA. GRAS status is a designation indicating that a substance is widely recognized among qualified experts as being safe for its intended use in food. The absence of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it may reflect limited submission of safety data to the FDA, lack of widespread historical use, or other regulatory considerations.

The compound's use may be regulated under FDA flavor regulations, which typically require that flavor substances meet specific identity and purity specifications and be used only in amounts necessary to achieve the desired flavor effect.

In the United States, 1,3,5,7-undecatetraene does not have GRAS status. Its regulatory status depends on whether it has been approved through other FDA pathways, such as food additive petitions or authorization under existing flavor regulations.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) may have separate assessments for this compound if it is used in European food products. Regulatory approval varies by jurisdiction, and approval in one region does not automatically apply to others.

Manufacturers using this flavoring agent must ensure compliance with applicable food safety regulations in their target markets and maintain appropriate documentation of safety and identity for regulatory purposes.

Given the limited information available in public databases and the absence of reported adverse events or recalls, published toxicological studies specific to 1,3,5,7-undecatetraene appear to be limited in public scientific literature. The safety profile of this compound may be supported by structure-activity relationship assessments common in flavor industry practice, where chemical similarity to well-established safe compounds informs safety conclusions.

Additional safety data may exist in manufacturer submissions to regulatory agencies, though such data are not always publicly available. Anyone requiring detailed safety information on this additive should consult relevant regulatory databases, contact manufacturers, or review any available flavor safety assessment reports.