# 5-hexenyl Isothiocyanate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/5-hexenyl-isothiocyanate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/5-hexenyl-isothiocyanate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 49776-81-0
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

5-hexenyl isothiocyanate is a naturally-derived flavoring compound belonging to the isothiocyanate family, which includes compounds found in cruciferous vegetables. It is used as a flavoring agent to impart pungent, spicy, or mustard-like taste characteristics to food products.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is 5-hexenyl Isothiocyanate?

5-hexenyl isothiocyanate (CAS Number: 49776-81-0) is an organic compound belonging to the isothiocyanate class of chemicals. Isothiocyanates are naturally occurring compounds found in plants of the Brassicaceae family, including cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and mustard seeds. The 5-hexenyl variant is a synthetic or derived version of naturally-occurring isothiocyanates, characterized by a six-carbon chain with a terminal double bond attached to the isothiocyanate functional group.

## Common Uses

This additive functions as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in the food industry. Its primary application is to provide pungent, spicy, or sharp flavoring notes reminiscent of mustard, horseradish, or wasabi. Food manufacturers may use 5-hexenyl isothiocyanate in:

- Condiments and sauces
- Spice blends and seasonings
- Processed meat products
- Snack foods
- Flavored beverages
- Prepared meals and ready-to-eat foods

The compound's intense flavor profile means it is typically used in very small quantities to achieve desired sensory characteristics.

## Safety Assessment

The available safety profile for 5-hexenyl isothiocyanate shows no reported adverse events to the FDA and no associated product recalls. This suggests a favorable safety history in food applications, at least at the levels used in commercial products.

Isothiocyanates as a class have been extensively studied due to their presence in commonly consumed vegetables. Research indicates that naturally-occurring isothiocyanates possess biological activity, including potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. However, the safety of specific isothiocyanate compounds at food-use concentrations depends on the individual chemical structure and exposure levels.

5-hexenyl isothiocyanate has not been formally evaluated for GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status by the FDA, meaning it has not undergone the standardized safety review process that determines whether experts consensus considers a substance safe for its intended use. This classification does not necessarily indicate a safety concern but rather indicates that formal GRAS evaluation has not been completed or submitted.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, 5-hexenyl isothiocyanate is not listed as a GRAS substance, which means its regulatory status differs from broadly approved food additives. However, it may be permitted under other regulatory pathways or used in products marketed through different channels.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other international regulatory bodies maintain different approval lists for flavoring compounds. The specific regulatory status varies by jurisdiction and may depend on the intended food application and exposure levels.

Manufacturers using this flavoring agent in food products are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable food safety regulations in their target markets.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature exists specifically on 5-hexenyl isothiocyanate. However, the broader isothiocyanate family has been subject to considerable research interest due to their occurrence in dietary sources:

- Studies on natural isothiocyanates from cruciferous vegetables have examined their bioavailability and biological effects in human consumption
- Research on isothiocyanate antimicrobial properties has explored their potential food preservation applications
- General safety evaluations of isothiocyanates at dietary exposure levels have not identified significant toxicological concerns at typical food-use concentrations

The absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests that 5-hexenyl isothiocyanate has been used without documented safety incidents in commercial food products, though comprehensive human safety studies specific to this compound may be limited.

## 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-hexenyl Isothiocyanate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/5-hexenyl-isothiocyanate. Accessed 2026-05-19.