# (+/-)-1-hepten-3-ol

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/1-hepten-3-ol.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 4938-52-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

(+/-)-1-hepten-3-ol is a naturally-occurring organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It provides fruity and floral notes and is employed in small quantities to enhance the sensory profile of beverages, confections, and other food items.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is (+/-)-1-hepten-3-ol?

(+/-)-1-hepten-3-ol, identified by CAS Number 4938-52-7, is an organic alcohol compound belonging to the class of unsaturated alcohols. It exists as a racemic mixture (equal parts of two mirror-image forms, indicated by the +/- designation). This colorless liquid compound occurs naturally in various fruits and plants, contributing to their characteristic aromatic profiles. The compound features a seven-carbon chain with a double bond and a hydroxyl group, giving it both hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties that make it useful as a flavoring ingredient.

## Common Uses

(+/-)-1-hepten-3-ol is used primarily in the flavor and fragrance industry as a flavoring agent or adjuvant. It is employed at very low concentrations to impart fruity, slightly floral, and green notes to food and beverage products. Common applications include:

- Alcoholic beverages and cocktail flavorings
- Non-alcoholic beverages including soft drinks and juices
- Confectionery products
- Dairy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Savory food flavorings

Typical usage levels are measured in parts per million (ppm), reflecting the potent flavoring characteristics of this compound. The exact concentration depends on the food category and desired flavor intensity.

## Safety Assessment

The safety profile of (+/-)-1-hepten-3-ol has been evaluated through standard toxicological testing methods. Key safety considerations include:

**Acute Toxicity**: The compound shows low acute toxicity in standard animal testing models when administered orally, dermally, or via inhalation at relevant exposure levels.

**Chronic and Subchronic Effects**: Limited long-term toxicity data is available in the public domain. However, the use levels in food applications are substantially lower than those employed in toxicological studies, providing a significant safety margin.

**Metabolic Fate**: As a small organic alcohol, (+/-)-1-hepten-3-ol is readily metabolized by standard hepatic pathways when ingested at food-relevant concentrations.

**Allergenicity**: No significant allergenicity concerns have been documented in available literature.

The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with this additive and zero recalls involving this ingredient, indicating a favorable safety history in commercial use.

## Regulatory Status

(+/-)-1-hepten-3-ol has not been formally evaluated for Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the FDA through their official petition process. This does not necessarily indicate a safety concern but rather reflects that the compound may not have undergone the comprehensive FDA GRAS review procedure.

Despite the absence of formal GRAS status, the ingredient is available for use in flavoring applications in the United States under FDA regulations governing flavoring substances. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other international regulatory bodies have established acceptable daily intake (ADI) values for this and related flavoring compounds based on available toxicological data.

Use in food products remains compliant with current FDA regulations for flavoring agents when employed at appropriate levels and in appropriate food categories.

## Key Studies

Toxicological evaluation of (+/-)-1-hepten-3-ol and structurally similar unsaturated alcohols has been conducted by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA) and published in peer-reviewed literature. These studies establish the safety of this compound when used as a food flavoring at concentrations typical of commercial applications.

Research on related hepten alcohols demonstrates that such compounds are metabolized efficiently and do not accumulate in biological tissues at food-relevant exposure levels. The established safety margins between flavoring-use concentrations and observed no-effect levels in animal studies are substantial.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "(+/-)-1-hepten-3-ol — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/1-hepten-3-ol. Accessed 2026-05-19.