# Allyl Heptanoate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 142-19-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Allyl heptanoate is an organic compound used as a synthetic flavoring agent in food products. It imparts fruity, pineapple-like sensory notes and is employed in small quantities to enhance the flavor profiles of various processed foods and beverages.

## 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 Heptanoate?

Allyl heptanoate (CAS Number 142-19-8) is a synthetic ester compound composed of allyl alcohol and heptanoic acid. It belongs to the class of organic compounds known as esters, which are commonly used as flavoring agents in the food industry. The compound has a characteristic fruity odor, often described as resembling pineapple or tropical fruit notes, making it valuable for flavor formulation purposes.

## Common Uses

Allyl heptanoate functions primarily as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant in food manufacturing. It is used in small concentrations to enhance or modify the taste and aroma profiles of various products, including:

- Beverage flavorings (fruit juices, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products (yogurt, flavored milk)
- Snack foods

The compound typically appears in formulations at very low levels, measured in parts per million (ppm), where it contributes to the overall sensory experience of the product without being a primary ingredient.

## Safety Assessment

Allyl heptanoate has no reported adverse events in the FDA database and no associated recalls. This absence of reported safety incidents suggests a good safety profile in food applications at permitted levels. Like other synthetic flavor compounds, safety assessment focuses on the typical exposure levels through food consumption.

The compound is similar in structure to other approved flavor esters, which have undergone safety scrutiny. When used as a flavoring agent at intended levels, the potential for consumer exposure remains minimal due to the small quantities employed in food formulations.

It is important to note that this additive's safety profile is based on its use as a flavoring agent at typical concentrations. Like all food additives, it should only be used within approved guidelines and in amounts consistent with standard flavoring practices.

## Regulatory Status

Allyl heptanoate is not currently listed on the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list. This designation indicates that while the compound may be used in foods, it has not undergone the specific GRAS affirmation process by the FDA. 

The absence of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that the compound has not been formally evaluated through the FDA's GRAS notification process. Manufacturers using this ingredient are responsible for ensuring its safety and compliance with applicable regulations in their respective markets.

Regulatory status varies by country and region. Food manufacturers considering use of this ingredient should verify its approval status with relevant regulatory authorities in their target markets, as flavor regulations differ internationally.

## Key Studies

Specific published studies on allyl heptanoate's safety are limited in publicly available literature. Most information regarding synthetic ester flavor compounds comes from general toxicology data on similar flavor molecules and established safety protocols for esters used in food applications.

Safety evaluation of synthetic flavoring agents typically includes:

- Acute toxicity testing
- Subchronic and chronic exposure studies
- Genotoxicity assessment
- Metabolism and kinetics data

The chemical structure of allyl heptanoate and its properties as a simple ester suggest a low hazard profile typical of approved flavor compounds. However, comprehensive published safety data specific to this individual compound may be limited, and safety information may be maintained within industry files or regulatory submissions.

As with other synthetic flavorings, the safety margin is substantial due to the extremely small amounts used in food products, typically measured in parts per million.

## 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 Heptanoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/allyl-heptanoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.