# 3-nonanon-1-yl Acetate

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-nonanon-1-yl-acetate.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 7779-54-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

3-Nonanon-1-yl Acetate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to create fruity and floral taste profiles in food products. It functions as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in various food applications where specific aromatic notes are desired.

## 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-Nonanon-1-yl Acetate?

3-Nonanon-1-yl Acetate (CAS Number 7779-54-6) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of acetate esters. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a fruity aroma profile. The compound is manufactured through chemical synthesis rather than derived from natural sources, though its aroma characteristics may resemble those found in some fruits and flowers.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is employed in the food industry to impart fruity and slightly floral notes to various food products. Common applications include:

- Beverages and soft drinks
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products
- Flavored yogurts and puddings
- Chewing gums and mints

The compound is typically used in very small concentrations—measured in parts per million—to achieve the desired flavor profile without overwhelming other taste components in the final product.

## Safety Assessment

According to available FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with 3-Nonanon-1-yl Acetate and zero product recalls involving this ingredient. This absence of adverse event reports and recalls represents a significant indicator of safety in actual consumer use.

As a synthetic flavoring agent, this compound undergoes evaluation based on its chemical structure, proposed use levels, and intended food applications. The safety assessment of flavoring agents typically considers factors such as:

- Acute and chronic toxicity data
- Metabolic pathways and biotransformation
- Potential for bioaccumulation
- Organ-specific effects
- Reproductive and developmental toxicity

The chemical structure of acetate esters generally indicates relatively low toxicity profiles, as acetate esters are metabolized similarly to naturally occurring compounds and readily break down in the digestive system.

## Regulatory Status

3-Nonanon-1-yl Acetate is not designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. This means it does not have blanket approval status that would allow unrestricted use in all food categories. Instead, its use is subject to specific approvals and may be permitted in particular food products at defined usage levels through the FDA's food additive petition process or similar regulatory pathways.

The GRAS determination is a specific regulatory classification typically reserved for substances with a long history of safe use or those that have undergone comprehensive safety review. The absence of GRAS status does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects the regulatory classification system and the specific pathway through which the additive has been approved.

Manufacturers using this ingredient must ensure compliance with all applicable food laws and regulations in their respective markets. In the European Union, similar flavoring agents are evaluated under Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008.

## Key Studies

While specific published toxicology studies on 3-Nonanon-1-yl Acetate are limited in readily available peer-reviewed literature, the safety evaluation of acetate esters as a chemical class provides relevant context. Acetate esters are known to be readily metabolized through ester hydrolysis in the gastrointestinal tract and liver, producing acetate and corresponding alcohols, both of which are endogenous compounds or readily metabolized.

The absence of adverse events in FDA records and the lack of recalls despite potential use in food products suggests practical safety in actual use conditions. The combination of zero reported adverse events, zero recalls, and the established metabolic pathways for similar acetate esters indicates a favorable safety profile for this flavoring agent at intended use levels.

Regulatory agencies continue to monitor new scientific data and may adjust approvals based on emerging evidence. Manufacturers and food producers should maintain current knowledge of applicable regulations in their specific jurisdictions.

## 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-nonanon-1-yl Acetate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-nonanon-1-yl-acetate. Accessed 2026-05-12.