# 3-phenyl-4-pentenal

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-phenyl-4-pentenal.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 939-21-9
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

3-phenyl-4-pentenal is a synthetic organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It is not currently approved as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) substance by the FDA, though it has no reported adverse events or recalls associated with its use.

## 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-phenyl-4-pentenal?

3-phenyl-4-pentenal (CAS Number 939-21-9) is a synthetic organic chemical compound belonging to the aldehyde class of flavoring substances. It is characterized by a phenyl ring (benzene ring) attached to a five-carbon chain with an unsaturated double bond and an aldehyde functional group. The compound is soluble in organic solvents and is used to impart or enhance specific flavor profiles in food products.

## Common Uses

3-phenyl-4-pentenal is employed as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in the food industry. Its primary application involves contributing to complex flavor profiles, particularly in beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and processed foods. The compound is utilized in very small quantities—typically in the parts per million (ppm) range—to achieve desired sensory characteristics without contributing significantly to the nutritional profile of food products.

## Safety Assessment

The safety profile of 3-phenyl-4-pentenal remains limited in published literature. As of the available data, there have been zero reported adverse events submitted to the FDA and zero recalls associated with this substance. However, the lack of adverse reports does not necessarily indicate comprehensive safety testing or approval. The compound has not been granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the FDA, which means it has not undergone the regulatory pathway that confirms its safety for its intended use at specified levels.

For substances not classified as GRAS, FDA regulations typically require that they be approved as food additives through the Food Additive Petition process before being used in food intended for human consumption in the United States. The absence of this approval status suggests that any use of 3-phenyl-4-pentenal in foods marketed in the U.S. may require special regulatory consideration or may be limited to certain jurisdictions where different regulatory frameworks apply.

Minimal toxicological data appears to be available in public repositories for this specific compound, though some aromatic aldehydes have been studied for potential mutagenic or sensitizing properties. Without specific toxicological studies submitted for regulatory review, comprehensive conclusions about its safety cannot be definitively established.

## Regulatory Status

3-phenyl-4-pentenal does not hold GRAS status with the FDA. This classification means the additive cannot be legally added to foods in the United States without obtaining explicit FDA approval through the Food Additive Petition process or being marketed under another regulatory pathway. Different regulatory jurisdictions may have varying requirements; for example, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate approval lists for flavoring substances used in the European Union.

Flavorings not approved through appropriate regulatory channels should not be present in food products marketed in jurisdictions with strict food additive regulations. Consumers and food manufacturers should verify regulatory compliance in their specific regions before purchasing or using products containing this substance.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically examining 3-phenyl-4-pentenal is limited. Most available information comes from industry safety data sheets and regulatory databases rather than peer-reviewed toxicological studies. The compound may be referenced in broader assessments of aromatic aldehyde compounds used in flavor chemistry, but targeted research on its specific safety, metabolism, or long-term effects does not appear to be widely available in the scientific literature.

Further research and formal safety assessments would be needed to establish comprehensive safety parameters for this substance. Manufacturers using this compound in any jurisdiction should maintain documentation of safety justifications and regulatory compliance.

## 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-phenyl-4-pentenal — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-phenyl-4-pentenal. Accessed 2026-05-15.