What is 1-octen-3-yl Butyrate?
1-octen-3-yl Butyrate (CAS Number: 16491-54-6) is a synthetic ester classified as a flavoring agent. It is produced by the chemical reaction between 1-octen-3-ol and butyric acid. This compound belongs to the larger category of organic esters commonly used in the fragrance and flavor industries. The molecule contains eight carbon atoms in its main chain with a double bond (hence "octen"), combined with a four-carbon butyrate group, creating a volatile aromatic substance.
Common Uses
This flavoring agent is primarily used in processed foods and beverages where fruity, earthy, or mushroom-like flavor notes are desired. Due to its sensory profile, it may appear in products such as savory snacks, condiments, baked goods, and flavor compounds used by food manufacturers. The compound contributes subtle complexity to flavor formulations rather than serving as a primary taste note. It is typically used in very small quantities, measured in parts per million, as is standard for synthetic flavoring agents.
Safety Assessment
According to available FDA records, 1-octen-3-yl Butyrate has not been associated with any reported adverse events or product recalls. The compound is not currently listed on the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list, which means it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process. However, the absence of GRAS status does not automatically indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects whether manufacturers have submitted comprehensive safety petitions to the FDA.
As a synthetic ester with a relatively simple chemical structure, 1-octen-3-yl Butyrate shares structural similarities with other approved flavoring esters. Esters of this type are generally metabolized in the body through standard enzymatic pathways that break down the ester bonds into their component parts—in this case, 1-octen-3-ol and butyric acid—which are further processed through normal metabolic routes.
The lack of adverse event reports and recalls suggests the compound has not raised safety concerns in practical use. However, comprehensive toxicological studies specific to this compound do not appear to be widely published in accessible scientific literature.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, 1-octen-3-yl Butyrate is permitted for use as a flavor ingredient under FDA regulations, though it does not hold formal GRAS approval. This means it can be legally used in food products under the food additive regulations, provided it complies with current good manufacturing practices and is used at appropriate levels.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reviews flavoring substances under different regulatory frameworks. The regulatory status in other jurisdictions may vary, and manufacturers are responsible for verifying compliance in each market where products are sold.
Key Studies
Limited peer-reviewed toxicological data specifically focused on 1-octen-3-yl Butyrate appears to be available in mainstream scientific literature. Most safety information relies on structural similarity to other approved esters, general knowledge of ester metabolism, and the absence of adverse reports from practical food use.
The structural components—1-octen-3-ol and butyric acid—are both known compounds with established safety profiles in food applications. Butyric acid, in particular, is a naturally occurring short-chain fatty acid found in butter and is recognized as safe. This structural relationship provides some basis for safety assessment, though it does not replace direct testing.
For manufacturers or consumers seeking detailed toxicological information, the flavor industry maintains confidential safety dossiers that may not be publicly available but are reviewed by regulatory agencies during the approval process.