What is 2-nonanone Propyleneglycol Acetal?
2-nonanone Propyleneglycol Acetal (CAS Number: 165191-91-3) is a synthetic flavoring agent produced through the chemical reaction between 2-nonanone and propylene glycol. The resulting acetal compound is a liquid flavoring substance designed to impart specific aromatic characteristics to food and beverage products. Acetals are commonly used in flavor chemistry because they provide stability and controlled flavor release in various food matrices.
Common Uses
This flavoring agent is utilized primarily in processed food and beverage applications where fruity, floral, and woody notes are desired flavor profiles. Typical applications include:
- Beverages (soft drinks, alcoholic drinks, flavored waters)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products
- Savory snack foods
- Flavored supplements and functional foods
The acetal form provides enhanced stability compared to other flavor compounds, allowing for better retention of flavor characteristics during manufacturing, storage, and shelf-life.
Safety Assessment
2-nonanone Propyleneglycol Acetal has not been granted GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the FDA. However, the absence of GRAS status does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it signifies that a formal GRAS notification or affirmation petition has not been submitted to or approved by the FDA.
The FDA's adverse event database contains zero reported adverse events associated with this additive. Additionally, no recalls involving this flavoring agent appear in FDA records, indicating no documented safety incidents in food commerce.
The constituent components of this compound—propylene glycol and 2-nonanone—have established safety profiles. Propylene glycol is widely used as a food additive and solvent in numerous applications and carries GRAS status. 2-nonanone is a naturally occurring compound found in some foods and has been studied as a flavor component.
As a flavoring agent, this substance would typically be used in very small quantities (parts per million range), which further minimizes potential exposure concerns.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, 2-nonanone Propyleneglycol Acetal may be used as a flavoring agent under FDA regulations permitting the use of flavoring substances. While not on the GRAS list, it can be legally used in foods under the flavor additive regulations (21 CFR 170.3) if properly declared and used at appropriate levels.
The regulatory pathway for flavoring agents in the U.S. differs from food additives in other categories. Many flavoring substances operate without specific GRAS affirmations but are considered acceptable under existing flavor regulations when used according to industry standards.
Regulatory status in other jurisdictions may vary. The European Union maintains different approval processes for flavorings, and this compound's status in EU food production would depend on its inclusion in the EU Flavourings Regulation (EC 1334/2008).
Key Studies
Published scientific literature specifically examining 2-nonanone Propyleneglycol Acetal is limited, which is typical for specialized flavor compounds used at very low concentrations. The lack of published adverse effect studies reflects both the minor exposure levels and the safety profile suggested by its chemical composition.
General research on propylene glycol acetals and similar flavoring compounds indicates these substances are well-tolerated when used in food applications at typical concentrations. Metabolism studies on related compounds suggest rapid metabolism and excretion without bioaccumulation.
The flavor and fragrance industry maintains standards for flavoring compounds through organizations such as the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) and the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI), which establish safety guidelines for flavor ingredient use.