What is Allyl 10-undecenoate?
Allyl 10-undecenoate is an organic ester compound with the CAS number 7493-76-7. Chemically, it consists of an allyl group (a three-carbon unsaturated hydrocarbon) bonded to a 10-undecenoic acid moiety, creating a volatile organic compound. The substance is used primarily as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in the food industry, contributing aroma and taste characteristics to food products.
Common Uses
Allyl 10-undecenoate is employed as a flavoring ingredient in various food applications where its specific organoleptic properties are desired. Like other allyl-containing compounds, it likely contributes fruity or pungent flavor notes to formulated foods and beverages. However, detailed information about specific food categories or products containing this ingredient is limited in publicly available databases. The compound may be used in very small quantities in flavor formulations due to its potency as a flavoring agent.
Safety Assessment
As of the available data, allyl 10-undecenoate has not generated any adverse events reported to the FDA and has not been associated with any product recalls. These metrics suggest that any historical use of this substance has not resulted in documented safety concerns at the federal level.
However, the absence of adverse event reports does not necessarily indicate comprehensive safety data. The compound's limited use or market presence may mean fewer opportunities for adverse events to be detected and reported. Toxicological studies specific to this particular ester compound do not appear to be widely published in mainstream scientific literature, which limits independent assessment of its safety profile.
Related compounds—including allyl-substituted esters and 10-undecenoic acid derivatives—have varying safety profiles. Some allyl compounds have established safety records in food applications, while others face restrictions. The safety of allyl 10-undecenoate would need to be assessed based on its unique chemical structure and any available toxicological data.
Regulatory Status
Allyl 10-undecenoate is not designated as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. This classification means it has not undergone the formal evaluation process to be listed as safe for direct food use, or that such recognition has not been granted. Ingredients used in food in the United States must either be GRAS-designated, approved food additives, or subject to pre-market approval requirements.
The regulatory status of this substance may vary internationally. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains its own approved flavoring ingredient lists, though allyl 10-undecenoate's inclusion or exclusion from those lists would require consultation of their current databases.
Any manufacturer intending to use allyl 10-undecenoate in food products would need to comply with applicable regulatory frameworks, which may include submitting safety data packages to regulatory authorities or relying on alternative regulatory pathways for flavoring ingredients.
Key Studies
Publicly available peer-reviewed studies specifically investigating the safety, toxicology, or efficacy of allyl 10-undecenoate appear limited. The compound does not appear in major toxicological databases with the same level of documentation as more common food additives or flavoring agents. This knowledge gap reflects the compound's relatively niche application in the flavoring industry.
To establish a more complete safety profile, comprehensive toxicological studies—including acute and chronic toxicity assessments, genotoxicity testing, and reproductive/developmental studies—would be necessary. Such data would typically be generated by manufacturers or ingredient suppliers seeking regulatory approval or GRAS status for the substance.