# 2-(4-methyl-5-thiazolyl)ethyl Octanoate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-4-methyl-5-thiazolyl-ethyl-octanoate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-4-methyl-5-thiazolyl-ethyl-octanoate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 163266-17-9
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

2-(4-methyl-5-thiazolyl)ethyl Octanoate is a synthetic flavoring compound containing a thiazole ring structure. It is used in food products to provide specific aromatic and taste characteristics.

## 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 2-(4-methyl-5-thiazolyl)ethyl Octanoate?

2-(4-methyl-5-thiazolyl)ethyl Octanoate (CAS Number: 163266-17-9) is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. The molecule consists of a thiazole ring—a five-membered aromatic ring containing both sulfur and nitrogen—attached to an octanoate (caprylic acid) ester chain. This structural combination creates a volatile compound with distinctive sensory properties.

Thiazole-containing compounds are found naturally in various foods and have been used in flavoring applications for decades. The synthetic version allows for consistent production and standardized use in food manufacturing.

## Common Uses

This flavoring compound is used in the food industry to enhance or create specific flavor profiles in processed foods. Typical applications include:

- Savory food products and seasonings
- Snack foods and crackers
- Prepared meals and sauces
- Beverage flavorings
- Dairy and cheese-flavored products

The compound is used in very small quantities, typically measured in parts per million (ppm), as flavoring agents require minimal amounts to achieve desired sensory effects.

## Safety Assessment

The safety profile of this additive shows no recorded adverse events or FDA recalls associated with its use. This suggests a favorable safety history in food applications where it has been utilized.

As with all synthetic flavoring compounds, safety depends on exposure levels and usage patterns. Flavoring agents are generally recognized as safe when used at levels necessary to achieve intended flavor effects, as they are consumed in extremely small quantities.

The compound has not undergone formal FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) determination, meaning it operates in a regulatory category that may require pre-market approval or falls under specific regulatory pathways depending on jurisdiction and application.

Toxicological data specific to this compound in published scientific literature is limited. However, the lack of adverse events or recalls indicates no identified safety concerns at current levels of food use.

## Regulatory Status

This additive does not hold FDA GRAS status, which means it has not been formally determined to be generally recognized as safe by the FDA through the standard GRAS notification process.

Despite lacking formal GRAS designation, the compound may be legally used in foods under other regulatory frameworks or authorizations. Some synthetic flavoring compounds operate under color additives regulations, food additive regulations, or exemptions that do not require GRAS status.

Regulatory status varies by country. Food manufacturers using this ingredient should verify compliance with regulations in their specific markets, as different countries maintain different approved flavoring ingredient lists.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically evaluating 2-(4-methyl-5-thiazolyl)ethyl Octanoate is limited in the public domain. The compound's safety assessment relies primarily on:

- Chemical structure analysis and similarity to approved flavoring compounds
- Historical use data without reported adverse effects
- General toxicological principles for thiazole-containing compounds
- The principle that flavoring agents are used at levels too low to pose safety concerns

The absence of FDA adverse event reports or product recalls provides evidence of safe use history in food applications where this compound has been employed.

## 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. "2-(4-methyl-5-thiazolyl)ethyl Octanoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-4-methyl-5-thiazolyl-ethyl-octanoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.