What is 1,4-nonanediol Diacetate?
1,4-nonanediol diacetate (CAS Number: 67715-81-5) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of acetate esters. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a molecular formula that makes it useful as a flavoring agent in the food industry. This compound is chemically derived from nonanediol (a nine-carbon alcohol) with two acetate groups attached, giving it distinct organoleptic properties that make it suitable for enhancing or modifying flavors in food products.
Common Uses
As a flavoring agent or adjuvant, 1,4-nonanediol diacetate is primarily used in the formulation of flavor compounds for processed foods and beverages. Its application is limited to specific food products where it functions to enhance, modify, or provide flavor characteristics. The compound is typically used in very small quantities, as is standard with most synthetic flavoring agents. However, due to its non-GRAS status in the United States, its use is restricted and must comply with specific regulatory pathways rather than being permitted for general use.
Safety Assessment
The safety profile of 1,4-nonanediol diacetate remains limited due to the lack of comprehensive toxicological data in the public domain. According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported and zero recalls associated with this additive. This suggests that, when used in authorized applications, the compound has not been associated with documented safety incidents.
However, the absence of reported adverse events should not be interpreted as comprehensive safety approval. Rather, it reflects the limited use of this substance in commercial food products, as well as the limited amount of toxicological research available for public review. The compound has not undergone the rigorous safety assessment required for GRAS status, which means the FDA does not recognize it as safe for unrestricted use in food.
In the European Union, similar synthetic flavoring compounds are evaluated under the European Flavoring Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, though specific information about this particular compound's regulatory status in Europe is not readily available in public databases.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, 1,4-nonanediol diacetate is not listed as a GRAS substance by the FDA. This classification means it cannot be used freely in food products without specific FDA authorization or approval. Any use of this compound in food would require either a food additive petition submitted to the FDA or pre-market approval through other regulatory pathways.
The lack of GRAS status indicates that the FDA has not received a consensus among qualified experts that this substance is safe for its intended use. This does not automatically mean the substance is unsafe; rather, it means that adequate safety data has not been submitted or accepted to warrant general recognition of safety.
The regulatory history shows no FDA food additive approvals or authorizations specifically for 1,4-nonanediol diacetate in the United States. Users in the food industry would need to work with regulatory consultants to determine appropriate use pathways.
Key Studies
Publicly available peer-reviewed toxicological studies specific to 1,4-nonanediol diacetate are limited. The compound may be referenced in chemical safety databases maintained by organizations such as the National Library of Medicine (PubChem) or the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), but comprehensive safety dossiers are not readily available in public scientific literature.
Related compounds in the acetate ester family have undergone safety assessments, and such data may provide indirect information about the likely safety profile of similar compounds. However, each substance must be evaluated on its own merits due to potential differences in absorption, metabolism, and toxicity.
The absence of published safety studies underscores why this compound lacks GRAS status and why its use in food remains restricted or prohibited depending on jurisdiction.