What is 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)decan-3-one?
1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)decan-3-one (CAS Number 27113-22-0) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of phenolic flavoring agents. The compound features a hydroxymethoxyphenyl group (structurally related to eugenol) attached to a decyl ketone chain. This structure allows it to function as a flavoring agent by interacting with taste and olfactory receptors. The compound is manufactured through chemical synthesis rather than extracted from natural sources, classifying it as a synthetic flavoring substance.
Common Uses
This flavoring compound is employed in the food and beverage industry to impart vanilla, spice-like, and woody aromatic notes. It may be used in applications including:
- Flavored beverages
- Confectionery products
- Baked goods
- Dairy products
- Savory food formulations
Typical use levels in food applications are measured in parts per million (ppm), consistent with other synthetic flavoring agents where small quantities produce desired sensory effects.
Safety Assessment
The FDA has not classified this compound as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). However, this status does not indicate the substance is unsafe—rather, it reflects that formal GRAS notification was not submitted or completed through FDA channels. The compound may still be used in food under FDA regulations governing food additives, subject to established limitations and safety monitoring.
As of the most recent FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls linked to its use. This absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests that any exposure through food consumption has not resulted in documented health complaints or safety incidents serious enough to warrant regulatory action.
The safety profile of this compound is partly informed by its structural similarity to eugenol and eugenol derivatives, which have been used in food and oral care products for decades. However, each synthetic compound must be evaluated based on its specific toxicological properties, absorption, metabolism, and potential for bioaccumulation.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, this compound may be used as a flavoring agent under 21 CFR Part 182 (indirect food additives) or Part 573 (food additives), depending on its specific application and concentration. The lack of GRAS status means it may require pre-market approval or notification depending on how it is being used.
International regulatory status may vary. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other regulatory bodies maintain separate assessments of flavoring compounds. Industry applicants seeking approval in multiple jurisdictions must comply with each region's specific requirements.
Manufacturers using this flavoring agent must maintain detailed safety and use documentation, including evidence of purity, manufacturing controls, and intended use levels.
Key Studies
Limited published scientific literature is readily available specifically addressing 1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)decan-3-one in peer-reviewed journals. Toxicological data for this compound may exist in confidential industry submissions or unpublished safety dossiers.
Available information on structurally related eugenol and eugenol derivatives (published in journals such as Food and Chemical Toxicology) indicates that phenolic compounds in this class generally demonstrate low acute toxicity when tested in animal models, though chronic exposure effects require case-by-case evaluation.
For current regulatory decisions, safety assessments typically rely on ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) modeling, in vitro studies, and comparative structural analysis rather than extensive animal testing. The zero adverse event history combined with decades of use in foods and flavoring products suggests acceptable safety margins at currently approved use levels, though ongoing monitoring remains important as consumption patterns evolve.