What is 7-decen-4-olide?
7-decen-4-olide (CAS Number: 67114-38-9) is a synthetic organic compound classified as a lactone—a type of cyclic ester. The molecule contains a 10-carbon chain with a double bond at the seventh position and a lactone ring structure. In the fragrance and flavor industry, lactones are valued for their ability to impart fruity, peachy, creamy, and buttery sensory characteristics to food and beverage formulations. 7-decen-4-olide is used in minute quantities as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant to enhance the sensory profile of consumer products.
Common Uses
This compound is employed in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring ingredient, typically at very low concentrations (parts per million or lower). It is commonly used in:
- Dairy products and yogurts
- Baked goods and confectionery
- Beverages including soft drinks and flavored waters
- Dessert and ice cream formulations
- Savory snack applications
Like other synthetic lactones used in flavor chemistry, 7-decen-4-olide helps create complex fruity and creamy flavor profiles that would otherwise be difficult to achieve or maintain through natural ingredients alone.
Safety Assessment
As of current available data, 7-decen-4-olide has no reported adverse events in the FDA database and no associated product recalls. The compound has not been formally evaluated and approved by the FDA under the GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) program, meaning manufacturers cannot market it as GRAS in the United States without additional supporting safety data or a formal FDA petition.
The absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests that any current use of this ingredient in food products has not resulted in documented consumer health complaints. However, the lack of GRAS status indicates that comprehensive toxicological or safety studies may not have been submitted to or published by the FDA for public review.
Like all synthetic flavoring compounds used at low concentrations in food, the safety of 7-decen-4-olide is typically evaluated based on its intended use level, chemical structure, and metabolic fate in the human body. Lactone compounds are generally metabolized relatively quickly by the body and have low bioaccumulation potential.
Regulatory Status
7-decen-4-olide is not listed on the FDA's GRAS inventory, meaning it cannot be used in food products in the United States unless manufacturers have obtained FDA approval through the Food Additive Petition process or operate under other regulatory pathways. In the European Union, flavoring compounds are subject to evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), though specific approval status for this compound should be verified through current EFSA databases.
Manufacturers seeking to use this ingredient in regulated markets must verify its regulatory status in each jurisdiction where products will be sold. Regulatory requirements vary significantly between countries and regions regarding synthetic flavoring agents.
Key Studies
Published scientific literature specifically addressing the safety toxicology, or metabolism of 7-decen-4-olide is limited in publicly available databases. The compound's use in flavor chemistry is documented in technical flavor industry literature and patent databases, but comprehensive human safety studies may be proprietary or unpublished. The lack of adverse event reports suggests acceptable safety margins when used at intended levels, though independent verification of safety data would require access to manufacturer-submitted dossiers or formal regulatory submissions.