What is 8-nonen-2-one?
8-nonen-2-one, identified by CAS number 5009-32-5, is an aliphatic ketone with nine carbon atoms and one double bond in its carbon chain. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a molecular formula of C9H16O. This compound occurs naturally in various plants and foods, including fruits and herbs, where it contributes to characteristic flavor profiles.
Common Uses
8-nonen-2-one is employed as a flavoring agent and flavoring adjuvant in the food industry. Its primary applications include:
- Beverages: used to enhance fruity or herbal notes in juices, soft drinks, and flavored waters
- Confectionery: incorporated into candies, chewing gum, and chocolate products
- Dairy products: utilized in yogurts and flavored milk beverages
- Baked goods: added to enhance overall flavor complexity
- Condiments and sauces: used to provide subtle vegetable or herbal undertones
The compound is typically used in very small quantities, measured in parts per million (ppm), to achieve the desired sensory effect without contributing significantly to the caloric content of the final product.
Safety Assessment
8-nonen-2-one has not been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA under 21 CFR Part 182. However, the absence of GRAS status does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that this particular compound has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or has not been evaluated through that specific regulatory pathway.
According to FDA records, there have been no reported adverse events associated with 8-nonen-2-one consumption, and no food recalls have been initiated due to this substance. This lack of adverse event reporting suggests a favorable practical safety history in food applications.
The compound's use in food follows the FDA's Food Additives Amendment framework. When used as a flavoring agent, it is subject to the same safety and usage level requirements as other similar flavoring compounds. The ketone functional group is common among naturally-occurring and approved flavor compounds, and 8-nonen-2-one shares structural similarities with other accepted flavoring agents.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, 8-nonen-2-one can be used in food products under FDA regulations governing flavoring agents, though it is not explicitly listed in the GRAS database (21 CFR Part 182). Its regulatory status allows for its use as an indirect food additive or flavoring substance under the Food Additives Amendment.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains a Flavoring Group Evaluation programme that assesses structurally related flavoring compounds. Compounds within the aliphatic ketone class, including those similar to 8-nonen-2-one, have been evaluated through this process.
Manufacturers using this compound must follow current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) standards and establish appropriate use levels based on flavor thresholds and intended culinary effect.
Key Studies
Specific peer-reviewed safety studies exclusively focused on 8-nonen-2-one are limited in publicly available literature. However, safety assessments for structurally similar aliphatic ketone flavoring compounds have been conducted by regulatory bodies and flavor industry organizations.
The compound's safety profile is informed by:
- Its natural occurrence in food sources
- Structural similarity to approved flavoring compounds
- Low usage levels in food applications
- Absence of reported adverse events in food safety surveillance systems
- General safety data for ketone-class flavoring agents from flavor industry toxicology databases
Continued monitoring through FDA adverse event reporting systems and post-market surveillance remains part of the regulatory oversight of this and all food additives.