What is 2,6-dimethyl-10-methylene-2,6,11-dodecatrienal?
2,6-dimethyl-10-methylene-2,6,11-dodecatrienal (CAS Number: 60066-88-8) is a synthetic flavoring compound belonging to the class of organic aldehydes. It is characterized by a complex molecular structure containing multiple double bonds and a terminal aldehyde functional group. This compound is designed to impart fruity and floral sensory characteristics to food and beverage products at very low concentrations, typically measured in parts per million (ppm).
Common Uses
This flavoring agent is primarily used in the formulation of:
- Beverages, including soft drinks and flavored waters
- Dairy products such as yogurts and flavored milks
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Flavor compounds and concentrated flavoring systems
Manufacturers employ this compound as a component in complex flavor blends where its fruity and floral notes complement other aromatic ingredients. The actual concentration used in finished food products is typically very minimal, as synthetic flavor compounds are highly potent and require only trace amounts to achieve the desired sensory effect.
Safety Assessment
The available safety data for 2,6-dimethyl-10-methylene-2,6,11-dodecatrienal indicates no significant safety concerns at levels used in food applications. The FDA database shows zero recorded adverse events and zero recalls associated with this additive, suggesting a good safety record in commercial food production.
This compound is structurally similar to other approved flavoring aldehydes and follows established toxicology principles for flavor compounds. Like most synthetic flavoring agents used in food, it is consumed in extremely small quantities—often at concentrations of less than 1-10 ppm in finished products. These minute exposure levels represent a negligible dietary intake for consumers.
The lack of FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status does not indicate the compound is unsafe; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS affirmation has not been pursued or completed through the regulatory process. Many legitimately used food flavorings operate under the FDA's Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA) GRAS program or direct FDA food additive approvals rather than formal GRAS recognition.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, 2,6-dimethyl-10-methylene-2,6,11-dodecatrienal is used as a food additive in flavoring applications. While it does not hold formal FDA GRAS status, it operates within the regulatory framework governing synthetic flavoring agents. The FDA maintains oversight of flavor compound usage through established safety standards and manufacturing practices.
Within the European Union and other international markets, this compound may be approved under different regulatory frameworks governing food flavorings. Different regions may have varying approval statuses and permitted concentration levels based on their respective safety evaluations.
Key Studies
Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses this particular compound, which is typical for highly specialized synthetic flavor ingredients. Safety assessments for similar aldehyde-based flavor compounds conducted by regulatory bodies and the flavor industry indicate that these compounds, when used at appropriate concentrations, do not pose health risks to consumers.
The flavor industry's safety assessment framework, established through the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) and similar organizations, provides guidance on structurally similar compounds. These assessments rely on structure-activity relationships, metabolic data for similar compounds, and the principle that flavor compounds are used in trace amounts with rapid metabolism.
As with all food additives, manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that products containing this flavoring agent are properly labeled and used within established safety parameters.