# 3-methyl-2-butenal

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-methyl-2-butenal
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-methyl-2-butenal.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 107-86-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

3-methyl-2-butenal is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It contributes fruity and floral notes to beverages, baked goods, and other processed foods.

## 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 3-methyl-2-butenal?

3-methyl-2-butenal, also known as 3-methylbut-2-enal or β,β-dimethylacrolein, is an unsaturated aldehyde with the chemical formula C₅H₈O. It is a volatile organic compound that occurs naturally in small quantities in various fruits and plants. The compound has a characteristic fruity aroma with subtle floral notes, which makes it valuable in the flavor and fragrance industry.

## Common Uses

3-methyl-2-butenal is primarily used as a flavoring agent in the food industry. Its applications include:

- Beverages: Added to fruit juices, soft drinks, and flavored waters to enhance fruity characteristics
- Baked goods: Used in cookies, cakes, and bread products to impart fruity notes
- Confectionery: Incorporated into candies and chewing gum for flavor enhancement
- Dairy products: Added to yogurts and flavored milk drinks
- Seasonings and condiments: Used in certain flavor blends and food preparations

The compound is typically used in very small concentrations, as measured in parts per million (ppm), to achieve the desired sensory effect without overwhelming the product's taste profile.

## Safety Assessment

The available safety data for 3-methyl-2-butenal is limited in the published scientific literature. The FDA has not designated this substance as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS), which means it has not received formal FDA approval for intentional food use in the United States. However, the absence of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate unsafe characteristics.

To date, the FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with 3-methyl-2-butenal and zero product recalls related to this additive. This suggests that if the compound is being used in food products, it has not generated consumer health complaints or safety concerns significant enough to trigger regulatory action or recalls.

As an aldehyde compound, 3-methyl-2-butenal belongs to a chemical class that has been extensively studied for safety. Many naturally occurring and synthetic aldehydes are safely used in food flavoring. However, the specific toxicological profile of this particular compound would need to be evaluated through formal safety testing protocols to establish definitive safety conclusions.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory status of 3-methyl-2-butenal varies by jurisdiction:

**United States:** The compound is not GRAS-listed by the FDA. It may be used in food products under FDA flavor regulations if it meets certain criteria, but it does not have explicit approval as a food additive.

**European Union:** 3-methyl-2-butenal may be listed in the EFSA's flavor database, though specific regulatory classifications may differ from U.S. designations.

**International:** The compound's regulatory status varies among different countries and regional food safety authorities.

Manufacturers using this substance must ensure compliance with local food safety regulations where their products are sold.

## Key Studies

Limited peer-reviewed literature specifically addresses the toxicology and safety of 3-methyl-2-butenal in food applications. Most safety evaluations of similar unsaturated aldehydes focus on:

- Acute toxicity data from animal studies
- Metabolic pathway analysis
- Sensory thresholds and flavor concentrations
- Comparisons with structurally similar approved flavoring compounds

The flavor and fragrance industry has established threshold of regulation (FEMA GRAS) designations for some similar compounds, which provide guidance on safe usage levels. However, specific published safety studies examining 3-methyl-2-butenal's long-term effects, genotoxicity, or reproductive toxicity are not widely available in the open literature.

Prospective users and manufacturers should consult specialized flavor ingredient databases and consider requesting safety data directly from suppliers or conducting appropriate toxicological assessments if considering this substance for new food 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. "3-methyl-2-butenal — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-methyl-2-butenal. Accessed 2026-05-19.