# 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 34413-35-9
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline (CAS 34413-35-9) is a synthetic organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. This heterocyclic amine derivative is employed to create or enhance specific flavor profiles in processed foods.

## 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 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline?

5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. Its chemical structure is based on a quinoxaline core—a bicyclic aromatic heterocycle containing nitrogen—with partial saturation of the aromatic ring system. The compound is identified by CAS Number 34413-35-9 and belongs to a class of compounds sometimes referred to as pyrazine-related or nitrogen-containing heterocycles used in flavor chemistry.

## Common Uses

This additive functions as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant in the food industry. Flavoring agents in this chemical class are typically used in very small quantities to impart or enhance specific taste and aroma characteristics in processed foods and beverages. The compound would generally be employed in products where complex, savory, or roasted notes are desired. Like other synthetic flavor compounds, it undergoes dilution through food systems, meaning the final concentration in consumer products is substantially lower than in the commercial additive form.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events associated with 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline and zero food recalls linked to this additive. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls indicates no documented safety incidents in the U.S. food supply.

However, it is important to note that this compound does not currently hold FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status in the United States. This classification means the additive has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or has not been affirmed as safe through FDA review. The absence of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects the regulatory pathway and notification status. Some flavor compounds operate in regulated markets without formal GRAS designation, subject to FDA's oversight of food additive regulations.

Synthetic heterocyclic amines used in flavoring are generally evaluated for potential genotoxicity and other toxicological endpoints before commercial use. Industry typically conducts or commissions safety studies prior to market introduction of novel flavor compounds.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline does not have FDA GRAS status. This means any use would theoretically require a food additive petition and FDA approval, or the compound would need to fall under an established regulatory exemption for flavoring substances. The regulatory status should be verified with the FDA or individual manufacturers, as approval pathways and permitted uses may vary.

International regulatory agencies, including the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), may have different assessments and approval statuses for this compound. Regulatory status varies by jurisdiction, and products containing this additive would need to comply with the specific regulations of their target market.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature on 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline specifically is limited in publicly available databases. The compound belongs to a broader category of synthetic flavoring agents that have been evaluated through standard toxicological screening protocols. Typical safety evaluations for such compounds include acute toxicity studies, genotoxicity (Ames test and related assays), and in some cases, short-term or subchronic toxicity studies in laboratory animals.

The lack of FDA adverse events and recalls suggests either limited market use, a strong safety record, or both. Additional information regarding specific toxicological studies would typically be available through FDA submissions or safety dossiers maintained by manufacturers or flavor suppliers.

## 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. "5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/5-6-7-8-tetrahydroquinoxaline. Accessed 2026-05-20.