# 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal Propyleneglycol Acetal

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-6-dimethyl-5-heptenal-propyleneglycol-acetal
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-6-dimethyl-5-heptenal-propyleneglycol-acetal.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 74094-63-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal Propyleneglycol Acetal is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity and floral notes in food products. It functions as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in various processed foods and beverages.

## 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 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal Propyleneglycol Acetal?

2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal Propyleneglycol Acetal (CAS Number: 74094-63-6) is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. It is formed through the chemical combination of 2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal with propylene glycol, creating an acetal structure. This compound belongs to the broader category of synthetic flavoring substances used in food manufacturing to enhance or create specific taste profiles.

## Common Uses

This flavoring compound is used in the food industry to create fruity, floral, and slightly sweet notes in various products. It may be found in processed foods, beverages, confectionery, and other products where complex flavor profiles are desired. The use levels in food applications are typically very small, measured in parts per million, as flavoring agents are highly potent and require minimal quantities to achieve desired flavor effects.

## Safety Assessment

No adverse events have been reported to the FDA regarding this additive, and there are no FDA recalls associated with it. The compound has not been formally evaluated through the FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) process, meaning it has not received explicit GRAS designation. However, the absence of reported adverse events and recalls indicates no documented safety concerns in the marketplace.

As a flavoring agent used in minimal quantities, the potential for systemic exposure is limited. Most synthetic flavoring compounds undergo rigorous sensory and preliminary safety evaluations before commercial use in food. The propylene glycol component of this acetal is a common food additive widely recognized as safe by regulatory agencies worldwide.

## Regulatory Status

While this additive does not have FDA GRAS status, it may be used in foods through other regulatory pathways. In the United States, flavoring compounds can be marketed under the Food Additives Amendment provisions if they meet specific safety criteria. The lack of GRAS designation does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that the manufacturer has not sought or obtained this formal recognition from FDA.

International regulatory agencies maintain varying approval lists for flavoring substances. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains detailed specifications for approved flavoring compounds. Manufacturers using this additive must comply with the regulatory requirements of their target markets.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature is readily available on this specific compound. The flavoring industry generally relies on established toxicological principles for acetals and propylene glycol derivatives. Propylene glycol itself has extensive safety data supporting its use in food and cosmetic applications at much higher levels than typically used in flavoring formulations.

Flavoring compounds are typically evaluated based on their chemical class and structural similarity to known safe compounds. As an acetal derivative, this compound would be expected to hydrolyze under acidic conditions in the stomach, breaking down into its component parts, which are more extensively characterized.

The minimal use levels of flavoring agents in food significantly reduce potential exposure and associated risk. Standard toxicological approaches for flavor compounds include oral acute toxicity studies and assessment of potential metabolic pathways. No published evidence suggests this compound poses health risks at levels used in food flavoring applications.

## 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. "2,6-dimethyl-5-heptenal Propyleneglycol Acetal — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-6-dimethyl-5-heptenal-propyleneglycol-acetal. Accessed 2026-05-19.