# 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 494-90-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran (CAS 494-90-6) is a synthetic organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It belongs to the benzofuran class of flavor compounds and is employed to impart specific aromatic characteristics to beverages, confections, and other food items.

## 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 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran?

4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran is a synthetic aromatic compound classified as a flavoring agent. Its chemical structure consists of a benzofuran ring (a fused benzene-furan system) with two methyl substituents and partial saturation of the benzene ring. The compound is identified by CAS Number 494-90-6 and belongs to the broader category of organic flavor compounds used in the food industry.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is primarily used in food and beverage applications where specific aromatic profiles are desired. It may be incorporated into products such as flavored beverages, confectionery items, baked goods, and other processed foods. Like other synthetic flavoring compounds, it is typically used in very small quantities—measured in parts per million (ppm)—to achieve desired sensory characteristics. The compound contributes to the overall flavor profile rather than serving as a primary flavoring ingredient.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there are no reported adverse events associated with 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran, and no recalls have been issued for products containing this ingredient. The absence of adverse event reports suggests that, at current levels of use in food, this compound has not generated safety concerns within the FDA's monitoring systems.

As with many synthetic flavor compounds, safety assessment typically relies on toxicological testing, including acute and subchronic studies. The compound's chemical structure—a benzofuran derivative—places it within a class of compounds that have been studied for various applications. However, specific published toxicological data for this particular compound appears limited in publicly available scientific literature.

## Regulatory Status

4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran has not received FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status. This designation indicates that the compound has not completed the formal GRAS petition process or does not meet the criteria for this classification. However, the lack of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that formal FDA GRAS affirmation has not been established through the standard review process.

The compound may be used in food under FDA regulations as a flavoring substance, provided it complies with applicable regulations and use levels. Food manufacturers must ensure that any flavoring agent used remains below established safe levels and that the ingredient is appropriately labeled if required by regulations.

## Key Studies

Publicly available peer-reviewed literature on 4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran is limited. Most information regarding this compound's safety derives from FDA's regulatory database and industry documentation rather than extensive independent research publications. The absence of published studies does not indicate a safety problem but rather reflects that this is a specialized industrial chemical with limited academic research focus.

For additional information on related benzofuran compounds and synthetic flavoring agents, interested parties may consult the FDA's Code of Federal Regulations (Title 21, Part 182) regarding flavor additives, and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards for flavor compound specifications.

As with all food additives, manufacturers must follow good manufacturing practices and ensure proper handling, storage, and use of this ingredient according to applicable regulations and food safety guidelines.

## 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. "4,5,6,7-tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/4-5-6-7-tetrahydro-3-6-dimethylbenzofuran. Accessed 2026-05-20.