What is 2,4-hexadienyl Butyrate?
2,4-hexadienyl butyrate is a synthetic organic ester compound classified as a flavoring agent. With the CAS number 16930-93-1, it is composed of a butyric acid moiety attached to a 2,4-hexadienyl alcohol group. This structure places it within the broader category of synthetic flavor compounds that are designed to replicate or enhance specific taste profiles in food applications.
The compound is produced through chemical synthesis rather than extraction from natural sources, making it a synthetic flavoring agent. Like many synthetic flavorings, it is intended to provide sensory characteristics that enhance consumer appeal of food products.
Common Uses
2,4-hexadienyl butyrate is used primarily in the food industry as a flavoring adjuvant. Its applications typically include:
- Beverages, particularly fruit-flavored drinks
- Confectionery and candy products
- Dairy products and flavored milk
- Baked goods and pastries
- Processed snack foods
- Flavored gelatin and desserts
The compound is used in very small quantities—typically measured in parts per million (ppm)—as its flavor intensity is concentrated. This low-use level is characteristic of most synthetic flavor compounds, where small amounts produce substantial flavor impact.
Safety Assessment
According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported for 2,4-hexadienyl butyrate and zero recalls associated with this compound. This absence of reported adverse events suggests no widely recognized safety concerns at typical usage levels in food applications.
The toxicological profile of synthetic flavoring agents is typically evaluated based on:
- Acute toxicity studies
- Subchronic and chronic toxicity studies
- Genotoxicity assessments
- Reproductive and developmental toxicity studies
- Metabolism and pharmacokinetics data
For most synthetic flavor compounds, the low concentrations used in food products—often in the parts per million range—results in minimal dietary exposure levels.
Regulatory Status
2,4-hexadienyl butyrate is NOT listed as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance by the FDA. This means it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or received explicit FDA affirmation.
However, not all food additives require GRAS status to be used in food. Compounds may be approved through:
- Food Additive Petitions (FAP) submitted to the FDA
- Pre-market approval processes
- Compliance with existing regulations for flavoring substances
The regulatory status varies by country. In the European Union, flavor compounds are regulated under EC Regulation 1334/2008 and must appear on the Register of Flavoring Substances to be legally used in food products. The absence of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate a safety concern, but rather reflects the specific regulatory pathway taken for approval in different jurisdictions.
Key Studies
Scientific literature on 2,4-hexadienyl butyrate specifically is limited, as is typical for many individual synthetic flavor compounds. Broader research on related ester-based flavor compounds and butyric acid derivatives generally supports safe use at food-relevant concentrations.
Comparable compounds in the synthetic flavor category have been extensively evaluated through:
- Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) GRAS assessments
- International regulatory reviews
- Academic toxicology research
The safety evaluation of synthetic flavoring agents is an ongoing process, with regulatory agencies continuing to monitor for any emerging safety data. The zero adverse events and zero recalls reported to the FDA for this specific compound over its period of use in food applications supports current safety at typical usage levels.