3,6-dimethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hexahydrobenzofuran

3,6-dimethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hexahydrobenzofuran (CAS Number 70786-44-6) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the benzofuran family of chemicals. Its chemical structure consists of a benzofuran ring system—a fused benzene and furan ring—with two methyl substituents at positions 3 and 6, and a saturated (hydrogenated) portion of the ring system. This compound is produced through chemical synthesis for use in the flavor industry.

This additive is employed as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant in food manufacturing. Flavoring agents and adjuvants are used in minute quantities to enhance, modify, or round out the taste profile of food and beverage products. Benzofuran derivatives are known for contributing warm, woody, or spicy aromatic notes to formulations. Like many synthetic flavor compounds, this chemical would typically be used in extremely small concentrations—often measured in parts per million—in applications such as beverages, confectionery, baked goods, or savory food products.

According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls linked to its use. These records suggest no documented safety incidents have been formally reported to the FDA regarding this compound. However, the absence of reported adverse events does not constitute formal safety approval.

The toxicological profile of this compound has not been extensively documented in publicly available scientific literature. Like many synthetic flavor compounds, its safety assessment would typically involve evaluations of acute toxicity, subchronic or chronic toxicity potential, genotoxicity, and other relevant endpoints. The specific details of any proprietary safety testing conducted on this compound are not disclosed in public databases.

This additive has NOT received FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status. GRAS designation means the substance is recognized by qualified experts as safe for its intended use based on scientific procedures or common use in food prior to 1958. The absence of GRAS status indicates this compound either has not undergone the GRAS determination process with the FDA, or such a determination was not pursued or approved.

In the United States, flavoring substances not recognized as GRAS can still be used as food additives if they comply with FDA regulations for food additives, including appropriate safety substantiation and proper labeling. The FDA maintains a list of permitted synthetic flavoring substances, and regulatory requirements for this specific compound would depend on which regulatory framework applies to its intended use.

Regulatory status in other jurisdictions, including the European Union, Japan, and other regions, may differ from FDA requirements. The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) maintains separate approval processes for flavoring substances used in European food products.

Publicly available peer-reviewed literature on the toxicology and safety of 3,6-dimethyl-2,3,3a,4,5,7a-hexahydrobenzofuran is limited. Most safety data on synthetic flavor compounds in this chemical class would be found in confidential industry toxicology reports submitted to regulatory agencies rather than in published scientific journals.

Information about this additive can be found through the FDA's database of food additives, the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA), and chemical databases that catalog synthetic flavoring compounds. The CAS Number 70786-44-6 serves as the unique identifier for retrieving information about this specific substance.