What is 1,3,5-undecatriene?
1,3,5-undecatriene (CAS Number: 16356-11-9) is an organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. The compound is an unsaturated hydrocarbon with three double bonds positioned at the 1, 3, and 5 carbon positions along an 11-carbon chain. It belongs to the broader category of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to the sensory profile of food products through aroma and taste enhancement.
Common Uses
1,3,5-undecatriene is used as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in the food industry. Flavoring agents in this chemical category are typically incorporated into processed foods, beverages, and other food products at very low concentrations to enhance or modify their sensory characteristics. The compound's aromatic properties make it suitable for applications where specific flavor profiles are desired, though its exact prevalence in commercial food products remains limited.
Safety Assessment
As of the available data, there have been zero adverse events reported to the FDA associated with 1,3,5-undecatriene, and no product recalls have been initiated due to safety concerns with this additive. The absence of reported adverse events suggests that the compound has not generated safety red flags in the context of its food use at current exposure levels.
The toxicological profile of organic compounds in this chemical class is generally considered when establishing safe use levels. However, specific detailed toxicological studies focused exclusively on 1,3,5-undecatriene are not widely published in the peer-reviewed literature, which contributes to the "unknown" classification for comprehensive safety data.
Regulatory Status
1,3,5-undecatriene is not listed on the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list. This means the compound has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process with the FDA, which would require manufacturers to demonstrate that the substance is safe for its intended use based on scientific procedures or a history of safe use. Despite not having GRAS status, the compound can still be used in food under other regulatory frameworks, including the Food Additive Amendment provisions or as part of indirect additives in food contact materials.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate evaluations of food additives used within European Union member states. Regulatory status may differ between jurisdictions, and manufacturers must comply with regulations in each market where products are sold.
Key Studies
Published scientific literature specifically addressing 1,3,5-undecatriene's safety profile in food applications is limited. Most information regarding similar flavoring compounds comes from broader assessments of volatile organic compounds used in food flavoring applications. The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) and other industry bodies maintain databases of flavoring compounds, though comprehensive hazard assessments are conducted selectively based on production volume, exposure estimates, and existing safety data.
General principles governing the safety of flavoring agents include assessment of intake levels relative to body weight, structural similarity to known compounds, and any available metabolic data. The low concentrations typically used in flavoring applications (often in the parts-per-million range or lower) are a key factor in safety determinations for compounds in this category.
Further research or manufacturer submission of safety data could provide additional clarity on this compound's safety profile and potentially support regulatory status changes in the future.