# 4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopentyl)butanoic Acid

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 957136-80-0
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopentyl)butanoic acid is a synthetic flavoring compound used to create fruity and woody taste profiles in food products. This cyclopentane-derived chemical functions as a flavoring agent in the food industry.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is 4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopentyl)butanoic Acid?

4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopentyl)butanoic acid is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of cyclopentane derivatives. Its chemical structure consists of a cyclopentane ring substituted with three methyl groups, attached to a butanoic acid side chain. This compound is identified by CAS number 957136-80-0 and is classified as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in food applications.

The molecule's structure is designed to provide specific aromatic properties when used in food formulations, contributing flavor notes characteristic of certain fruits and woody elements.

## Common Uses

This additive is used in the food industry primarily as a flavoring agent. Due to its aromatic properties, it is incorporated into various food and beverage products to enhance or modify taste profiles. Its specific use applications include:

- Flavored beverages and drinks
- Confectionery products
- Dairy-based foods
- Processed snacks and prepared foods
- Flavoring compounds for food manufacturing

The additive functions as a component in complex flavor formulations rather than as a standalone flavoring ingredient, allowing food manufacturers to achieve desired taste characteristics in their products.

## Safety Assessment

FDA Safety Record: This compound has not been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, indicating that it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process. However, the FDA's adverse events database contains zero reported incidents associated with this additive, and no recalls have been issued involving this substance.

The absence of adverse events and recalls suggests that any use of this compound in foods has not generated consumer safety concerns at detectable levels. However, the lack of GRAS status means the additive requires pre-market approval or operates under specific regulatory frameworks depending on jurisdiction and application.

Limited published safety data is available for this particular compound compared to more widely used flavoring agents. The synthetic nature of the compound means safety assessment relies on its chemical structure, mechanism of action, and any toxicological studies conducted by manufacturers or regulatory agencies.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, this compound has not achieved GRAS designation. This means it may be permitted under certain regulated food additive provisions if it has received pre-market approval, or it may be used in specific contexts under FDA oversight.

The regulatory status varies internationally. Some jurisdictions may permit use under their flavoring regulations, while others may require specific authorization. Food manufacturers using this ingredient should verify compliance with their local and national regulatory requirements.

The compound's classification as a flavoring agent places it within food additive categories that typically undergo safety evaluation before permitted use.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically addressing the safety profile of 4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopentyl)butanoic acid is limited. Safety information for this compound is likely held by manufacturers and regulatory agencies rather than published in open scientific databases.

Safety assessment of similar synthetic flavoring compounds typically involves:
- Acute toxicity studies
- Evaluation of potential metabolic pathways
- Assessment of structural similarity to known safe compounds
- Consumer exposure level analysis

Flavoring compounds in this chemical category are generally evaluated based on their molecular structure and established principles for flavoring agent safety assessment used by regulatory bodies including the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

## 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. "4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopentyl)butanoic Acid — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/4-2-2-3-trimethylcyclopentyl-butanoic-acid. Accessed 2026-05-20.