# Allyl 2-furoate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 4208-49-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Allyl 2-furoate is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It is not approved as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance by the FDA, though it has no reported adverse events or recalls associated with its use.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Allyl 2-furoate?

Allyl 2-furoate (CAS Number 4208-49-5) is an organic ester compound belonging to the furan derivatives class. It consists of an allyl group attached to 2-furoic acid through an ester linkage. This colorless to pale yellow liquid is characterized by its aromatic properties, which make it useful in the flavoring industry. The compound is synthesized through chemical processes and is primarily valued for its sensory contribution to food and beverage formulations.

## Common Uses

Allyl 2-furoate is employed as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in the food industry. Its aromatic profile makes it suitable for use in various food applications where fruity, caramel-like, or toasted notes are desired. The compound is typically used in very small quantities—measured in parts per million—to achieve the desired flavor enhancement without dominating the overall taste profile. Common applications may include baked goods, beverages, confectionery, and dairy products, though specific commercial usage remains limited compared to more established flavoring agents.

## Safety Assessment

The safety profile of allyl 2-furoate is characterized by limited regulatory approval and data. The FDA has not classified this compound as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe), meaning it has not undergone the formal GRAS determination process or does not meet the criteria for such designation. However, the absence of reported adverse events in FDA databases and zero product recalls associated with this additive suggest no documented safety incidents in commercial food use.

The limited approval status does not necessarily indicate toxicity concerns but rather reflects the compound's minimal market penetration and the lack of comprehensive safety dossier submission to regulatory authorities. Many flavoring compounds exist in a regulatory gray area where they may be used in some jurisdictions but lack formal approval in others.

Chemically, allyl 2-furoate shares structural similarities with other furan derivatives and allyl compounds. The furan ring structure and allyl functionality are found in various food components and approved flavorings. However, without comprehensive toxicological studies specific to this compound, definitive safety conclusions require caution.

## Regulatory Status

Allyl 2-furoate has not received GRAS status from the FDA, which limits its legal use in food products intended for the U.S. market without prior food additive petition approval. In the European Union, this compound is not listed among approved flavoring substances in the EU Register of Flavouring Substances. The lack of regulatory approval in major markets restricts its commercial availability and use.

Manufacturers wishing to use allyl 2-furoate in food products would typically need to submit a food additive petition to the FDA or follow alternative regulatory pathways in other jurisdictions. The compound's limited regulatory status may reflect both low commercial demand and the lack of industry initiative to pursue formal approval.

## Key Studies

Pubblished scientific literature specifically evaluating the toxicology and safety of allyl 2-furoate is sparse. The compound does not appear prominently in major toxicological databases or published safety assessments, reflecting its limited commercial use and regulatory attention. Most available information derives from chemical suppliers' technical data sheets rather than peer-reviewed safety studies.

General knowledge about structurally related compounds—such as 2-furoic acid and allyl-substituted compounds—suggests allyl 2-furoate likely has low acute toxicity typical of flavoring esters. However, specific data on chronic exposure, genotoxicity, or reproductive effects remain unavailable in public scientific literature. The absence of reported adverse events in FDA databases provides indirect reassurance but does not constitute comprehensive safety evidence.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Allyl 2-furoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/allyl-2-furoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.