# 4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)but-2-en-4-one

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 35044-68-9
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)but-2-en-4-one is a synthetic flavoring compound used to provide fruity and woody taste notes in food and beverage products. It belongs to a class of organic compounds designed to enhance or create specific flavor profiles in commercial food manufacturing.

## 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-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)but-2-en-4-one?

4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)but-2-en-4-one, identified by CAS number 35044-68-9, is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of flavoring agents. This compound features a cyclohexene ring structure with a butenone side chain, creating a molecule with distinctive aromatic properties. The chemical structure contributes fruity, woody, and slightly spicy flavor characteristics valued in the food industry.

Synthetic flavoring agents like this compound are engineered to replicate or enhance natural flavor profiles without requiring extraction from plant or animal sources. These compounds are often preferred in industrial food production because they offer consistency, stability, and cost-effectiveness compared to natural alternatives.

## Common Uses

As a flavoring agent, 4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)but-2-en-4-one is incorporated into various food and beverage products, typically in very small concentrations measured in parts per million (ppm). Common applications include:

- Beverages (soft drinks, flavored waters, alcoholic drinks)
- Dairy products (yogurts, flavored milks, ice creams)
- Confectionery and baked goods
- Savory snacks and seasonings
- Condiments and sauces

The specific flavor contribution—described as fruity with woody undertones—makes this compound useful for creating complex flavor profiles in both sweet and savory applications. Manufacturers may use it individually or in combination with other flavoring agents to achieve desired sensory characteristics.

## Safety Assessment

Based on available FDA data, there are no reported adverse events or product recalls associated with 4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)but-2-en-4-one. This compound has a clean safety record in terms of consumer complaints and documented harm.

However, it is important to note that this additive does not currently hold GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status with the FDA. GRAS status requires either a long history of safe use in food prior to 1958 or scientific evidence demonstrating safety at intended use levels. The absence of GRAS status does not indicate the compound is unsafe; rather, it means the FDA has not formally affirmed its safety status through this particular designation.

Like all flavoring agents, this compound would be used at extremely low concentrations—typically well below the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) for flavoring substances. The typical sensory thresholds for detecting this flavor in food are measured in micrograms per kilogram, suggesting that exposure levels from food consumption are minimal.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory pathway for synthetic flavoring agents varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, flavoring agents may be used under FDA regulations if they are deemed safe for their intended use, even without formal GRAS affirmation. The compound's presence in commercial products suggests it has been deemed acceptable for food use through established regulatory channels.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate approval listings for flavoring substances. Regulatory approval status should be verified for specific jurisdictions, as some flavoring compounds approved in one region may have different status in another.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on this specific compound appears limited in the publicly available domain. Most data regarding safety comes from manufacturer safety assessments and regulatory submissions rather than published peer-reviewed studies. For synthetic flavoring agents in this chemical class, safety evaluation typically relies on structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis, acute toxicity testing, and repeat-dose toxicity studies at high multiples of anticipated exposure levels.

The lack of reported adverse events in FDA databases across years of potential use suggests an acceptable safety profile at current exposure levels, though comprehensive independent research on this specific compound would strengthen the evidence base.

## 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-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)but-2-en-4-one — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/4-2-6-6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl-but-2-en-4-one. Accessed 2026-05-20.