What is 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one Propyleneglycol Acetal?
6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one Propyleneglycol Acetal (CAS Number: 68258-95-7) is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. It is an acetal derivative created by combining 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one with propylene glycol. This chemical modification creates a stable flavoring compound with fruity and herbal sensory characteristics. The compound belongs to a broader class of acetals used in the flavor industry to stabilize volatile flavor components and modify sensory properties.
Common Uses
This flavoring agent is utilized primarily in the food and beverage industry to impart or enhance fruity and herbal taste notes. Common applications include:
- Non-alcoholic beverages (soft drinks, juices)
- Dairy products (yogurts, flavored milk)
- Confectionery and candy
- Baked goods and snack foods
- Frozen desserts
- Flavored water products
As a flavoring adjuvant, it typically appears in very small concentrations, as is standard for flavor compounds used to achieve desired taste profiles. The acetal form provides improved stability compared to the parent compound, making it more suitable for food manufacturing and storage conditions.
Safety Assessment
This additive has recorded zero adverse events reported to the FDA and zero associated recalls. These metrics indicate no documented safety incidents in the United States food supply linked to this compound. The absence of reported adverse events suggests a favorable safety profile in actual food use.
The compound's safety profile is supported by its use in controlled concentrations typical of flavoring applications. Like most synthetic flavoring agents, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one Propyleneglycol Acetal is used at levels far below any threshold of concern identified in toxicological studies. The propylene glycol component is itself a widely recognized food additive with extensive safety data.
However, it is important to note that this additive does not hold FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status. GRAS status indicates that a substance has been determined safe for its intended use based on scientific procedures or through long history of safe use in food. The lack of GRAS designation may reflect limited historical use data or insufficient petition documentation to the FDA rather than safety concerns.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, while this additive does not have official GRAS status, it may be used under FDA regulations for food flavorings. The FDA maintains a list of approved flavoring substances, and acetals like this compound are recognized components in the flavor industry. Manufacturers using this additive must comply with FDA requirements for flavor ingredient declaration and use at levels consistent with good manufacturing practices.
International regulatory status varies by region. The European Union, Health Canada, Japan, and other regulatory bodies maintain different approval lists and use restrictions for flavoring agents. Manufacturers exporting products containing this additive must ensure compliance with destination country regulations.
Key Studies
Specific published toxicological studies on 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one Propyleneglycol Acetal are limited in the public domain. Safety assessment data for this compound would typically be available through flavor industry safety organizations such as the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA) and their GRAS evaluation program.
General toxicological data on propylene glycol acetals and structurally similar compounds indicate low acute toxicity. Safety evaluations for flavor compounds typically assess oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and subchronic effects at exposure levels relevant to food use.