# 3-octyl Butyrate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-octyl-butyrate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-octyl-butyrate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 20286-45-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

3-octyl Butyrate is a synthetic flavoring agent used to impart fruity, sweet, and buttery notes in food products. This ester compound is utilized in small quantities to enhance the sensory profile of 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 3-octyl Butyrate?

3-octyl Butyrate, identified by CAS Number 20286-45-7, is a synthetic ester belonging to the class of organic compounds used as flavoring agents in the food industry. It is created through the chemical synthesis of butyric acid and 3-octanol. As a flavor compound, it functions to provide specific taste and aroma characteristics to food formulations without nutritional contribution.

## Common Uses

3-octyl Butyrate is employed in the flavor industry primarily as a component in complex flavor formulations. It is used in small concentrations in products such as beverages, confectionery, dairy products, and processed foods where fruity and sweet aromatic notes are desired. The compound contributes to flavor profiles by providing subtle buttery and fruity undertones that enhance overall sensory appeal. Typical application rates are minimal, measured in parts per million in finished food products.

## Safety Assessment

The safety profile of 3-octyl Butyrate reflects its limited but documented use history. According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported associated with this additive, and no FDA recalls are linked to its use. The absence of reported adverse events indicates that at levels used in food applications, the compound has not demonstrated safety concerns in the food supply.

The compound's molecular structure—as a short-chain butyrate ester—generally aligns with chemical classes that are metabolized readily in the body. Butyrate esters are known to hydrolyze in the gastrointestinal system, breaking down into butyric acid and alcohols that follow normal metabolic pathways.

## Regulatory Status

3-octyl Butyrate is not on the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list, meaning it has not undergone the streamlined GRAS notification process. However, its absence from the GRAS list does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS review has not been completed or submitted for this particular compound. In the United States, it may be used as a food additive under the indirect food additive or flavoring agent provisions if it complies with applicable regulations. The European Union's flavor regulations may have different approval pathways for this compound.

Manufacturers using 3-octyl Butyrate must ensure compliance with their jurisdiction's food additive regulations and labeling requirements where applicable.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature exists specifically examining 3-octyl Butyrate in isolation, which is typical for minor flavor compounds used at very low concentrations. Most safety assessment data comes from toxicological screening protocols and structure-activity relationship analysis common in flavor industry evaluation. The lack of adverse event reports across decades of potential use suggests that any toxicological concerns would likely be minimal at food-grade application levels.

Research on structurally similar butyrate esters indicates that such compounds are readily metabolized and do not bioaccumulate. The flavor industry's safety assessment practices, developed in cooperation with regulatory bodies, generally support the safe use of such compounds at established use levels.

## 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-octyl Butyrate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-octyl-butyrate. Accessed 2026-05-19.