What is 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-yl Acetate?
6-methyl-5-hepten-2-yl acetate (CAS Number: 19162-00-6) is a synthetic flavoring compound belonging to the acetate ester family. It is a volatile organic molecule with a molecular formula of C12H22O2. This compound is characterized by fruity and floral aromatic properties, making it suitable for flavor applications in the food industry.
Common Uses
6-methyl-5-hepten-2-yl acetate is utilized primarily as a flavoring agent in various food and beverage products. Its applications include:
- Confectionery and candy formulations
- Beverage flavoring, particularly in fruit-flavored drinks
- Baked goods and dessert products
- Dairy products and yogurt
- Non-alcoholic beverages
The compound is valued for its ability to impart fruity and floral notes that enhance consumer appeal and taste perception.
Safety Assessment
Based on available FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-yl acetate and zero product recalls linked to this ingredient. These records indicate no documented safety concerns from consumer exposure through food applications.
The compound belongs to a well-characterized class of synthetic flavoring compounds that have been studied for decades. As a volatile ester with relatively low molecular weight, it exhibits properties typical of compounds that are readily metabolized and eliminated from the body. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls provides empirical support for its safety profile in food use.
Toxicological data on similar acetate esters suggests low systemic toxicity at food-use concentrations. These compounds are generally recognized as having minimal bioaccumulation potential due to their chemical structure and metabolic pathways.
Regulatory Status
6-methyl-5-hepten-2-yl acetate has not received FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status. However, this does not indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that the compound may be regulated under other FDA frameworks or that formal GRAS notification has not been submitted or completed.
In the European Union, this compound may be listed under the flavor classification systems established by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) guidelines. Regulatory approaches vary by jurisdiction, and flavoring compounds are often permitted based on established safety assessment methodologies rather than requiring explicit GRAS determination.
The absence of FDA GRAS status should not be interpreted as indicating unsuitability for food use, as flavoring agents can be legally used in food products through various regulatory pathways including food additive petitions or existing regulatory authorizations.
Key Studies
While specific peer-reviewed toxicological studies exclusively focused on 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-yl acetate are limited in public literature, the safety profile of acetate esters as a class has been extensively documented. Research on structurally similar compounds supports the safety of this chemical at levels used for flavoring purposes.
The compound's volatility and chemical properties suggest rapid elimination through metabolic pathways. Standard toxicological assessments for synthetic flavorings, conducted according to FEMA (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association) guidelines and EFSA protocols, provide the scientific basis for authorizing similar compounds in food applications.
The zero adverse event and zero recall history with this specific compound in FDA databases represents real-world safety data supporting its continued use in approved food products.