4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ol

4-Phenyl-3-buten-2-ol (CAS Number 17488-65-2) is an organic compound belonging to the class of unsaturated alcohols. It consists of a phenyl ring (benzene ring) attached to a butenol chain, creating a molecule with distinctive aromatic properties. This compound is utilized in the flavor and fragrance industry as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant, where it contributes to the sensory profile of food and beverage products.

This flavoring agent is primarily used in small quantities in various food and beverage applications where aromatic complexity is desired. It may be found in flavored beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and other processed food products. As with many synthetic flavoring compounds, it is used at concentrations typically ranging from parts per million (ppm) to achieve the desired flavor effect without overwhelming the product's taste profile. The compound's aromatic characteristics make it suitable for formulations seeking to enhance or create specific flavor notes.

According to available FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with 4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ol, and zero food recalls have been linked to this substance. This lack of reported incidents suggests that if the compound is being used in food products, it has not generated safety concerns significant enough to warrant regulatory action or public health alerts.

The absence of GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status from the FDA indicates that this compound has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or has not been affirmed as GRAS through regulatory channels. GRAS status is not a prerequisite for a substance to be used as a food additive; however, it represents an additional layer of regulatory confidence when granted. The lack of GRAS status does not inherently indicate safety concerns—rather, it may reflect the compound's regulatory classification, use pattern, or the manufacturer's choice not to pursue formal GRAS affirmation.

While not GRAS-affirmed in the United States, 4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ol may be permitted as a food additive under FDA regulations if it meets requirements for food additives or flavoring substances. The Food and Drug Administration maintains lists of approved flavoring substances, and synthetic flavoring agents may be added to foods without specific pre-market approval if they meet safety standards and use limitations. The regulatory framework for flavoring agents in the U.S. is detailed in Title 21 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), specifically sections 182 and 184 for GRAS substances, and sections 170-180 for food additives generally.

International regulatory status may vary. The European Union's flavor regulation system maintains different approval processes and lists for flavoring substances. Manufacturers seeking to use this compound internationally must ensure compliance with each jurisdiction's specific requirements.

Limited published scientific literature is readily available specifically focused on 4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ol in food safety contexts. The absence of documented adverse events and recalls suggests either that safety studies have not revealed concerns or that the compound's use level has been sufficient to prevent harm. Flavor and fragrance industry organizations conduct safety assessments on flavoring compounds; however, detailed toxicology data for this specific compound may exist in proprietary databases or specialized scientific literature not readily accessible to the general public.

When flavoring agents are evaluated for safety, researchers typically assess acute toxicity, chronic toxicity potential, genotoxicity, and other parameters relevant to food safety. The chemical structure of 4-phenyl-3-buten-2-ol—an unsaturated alcohol with an aromatic ring—is consistent with compounds generally recognized as flavoring agents, though individual safety profiles vary by compound.