What is (1r,2s,5r)-n-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide?
(1r,2s,5r)-n-(4-methoxyphenyl)-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide is a synthetic organic compound identified by CAS number 68489-09-9. This chemical belongs to the class of aromatic amide compounds and is classified as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant. Its complex molecular structure combines a cyclohexane ring with a methoxyphenyl substitution, creating a compound designed to impart specific sensory characteristics to food and beverage products.
Common Uses
This additive is used in the flavor industry as a component of complex flavor formulations. Flavoring agents of this type are typically incorporated into a wide range of food products including beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and processed foods. The compound functions to enhance or modify taste profiles and aromatic qualities. As with most synthetic flavoring compounds, it would be used in very small concentrations—typically measured in parts per million—to achieve the desired sensory effect in finished food products. The specific applications depend on formulation requirements and regional regulatory permissions.
Safety Assessment
Currently, this compound has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance. This designation means it has not undergone the standard GRAS notification process or received explicit FDA approval for use as a food additive in the United States. However, the absence of FDA approval does not inherently indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects the regulatory status and submission history.
According to FDA adverse event reporting systems, there are zero recorded adverse events associated with this additive. Similarly, the FDA has issued zero recalls related to this compound. These data points suggest no documented safety incidents have been reported through official channels, though this may also reflect limited market use or reporting.
The safety profile of synthetic flavoring compounds is typically evaluated based on toxicological studies, including acute toxicity, subchronic and chronic toxicity assessments, genotoxicity, and reproductive/developmental toxicity studies. Without access to proprietary safety dossiers or published peer-reviewed studies specifically on this compound, a comprehensive independent safety evaluation cannot be provided here.
Regulatory Status
This additive is not listed on the FDA's GRAS inventory for the United States market. It may have regulatory approval in other jurisdictions, as different countries maintain separate approval lists for food additives. The European Union's EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) maintains independent evaluations of food additives. Users and manufacturers should verify the regulatory status in their specific jurisdiction before use.
The lack of GRAS status in the United States means that any food product containing this additive for flavoring purposes would generally be considered adulterated under federal law, unless the ingredient has been approved through other regulatory pathways (such as food additive petition approval, which is distinct from GRAS designation).
Key Studies
Publicly available peer-reviewed scientific literature specifically evaluating this compound appears limited. Manufacturers or regulatory agencies holding safety dossiers would possess proprietary toxicological data generated according to OECD guidelines or equivalent standards. For compounds not yet approved by major regulatory bodies, such data may exist but remain confidential as part of proprietary submissions or ongoing regulatory review processes.
Researchers and industry professionals seeking detailed safety information should contact the compound's manufacturer directly or consult regulatory submissions if publicly available.