# Alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 7492-44-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde is a synthetic aromatic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It provides cinnamon-like sensory characteristics and is employed to enhance or modify flavor profiles in various food and beverage applications.

## 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 Alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde?

Alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde (CAS Number 7492-44-6) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the cinnamaldehyde family of flavor compounds. Structurally, it consists of a cinnamic aldehyde backbone with a butyl alkyl chain, creating an aromatic compound with sensory properties similar to cinnamon and related spice notes. Like other cinnamaldehyde derivatives, it is volatile and contributes aromatic characteristics to food formulations.

## Common Uses

Alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer. It appears in formulations for:

- Confectionery products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Dairy products
- Savory snacks
- Condiments and sauces

The compound is typically used in very small quantities—measured in parts per million—to impart or enhance cinnamon-like flavor notes without overpowering the base product. It may be used alongside other flavor compounds as part of a complex flavoring system.

## Safety Assessment

Alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde has not been evaluated or designated as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA. However, the absence of GRAS status does not indicate the compound is unsafe; rather, it means either no formal petition was submitted or the evaluation process was not completed. The compound has zero recorded adverse events and zero recalls in FDA databases, indicating no documented safety incidents from food use.

As a cinnamaldehyde derivative, alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde shares structural similarities with cinnamon flavor compounds that have longer histories of use. Cinnamaldehyde itself has more extensive safety data available. However, the specific butyl-substituted variant has limited published toxicological data in the scientific literature.

The lack of GRAS status means manufacturers using this ingredient should verify compliance with their regional regulatory frameworks, as requirements vary by jurisdiction. Some markets may restrict its use or require specific approvals.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde does not have GRAS status, which means it cannot be used under the self-affirmed GRAS pathway. If used in food products sold in the US, it would need to be included under a food additive petition that has received FDA approval, or be subject to other regulatory pathways.

In the European Union, cinnamaldehyde derivatives fall under the flavor regulation framework (EC 1334/2008). Specific approval status for alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde would depend on inclusion in the EU's Union List of flavoring substances.

Manufacturers and food companies should verify the regulatory status in their specific markets before use, as requirements differ significantly between regions. The lack of GRAS status in the US represents the most significant regulatory limitation.

## Key Studies

Published toxicological data specifically on alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde is limited in peer-reviewed literature. Most available safety information relies on:

- Structural similarity to approved cinnamaldehyde compounds
- General toxicity profiles of aromatic aldehyde compounds
- Typical use levels in food applications (very low concentrations)

Related cinnamaldehyde compounds have been studied for dermal sensitization and oral toxicity. As with most flavor compounds, alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde is used at levels where systemic exposure would be minimal. The absence of adverse events or recalls suggests any food use to date has not generated safety signals.

## 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. "Alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/alpha-butylcinnamaldehyde. Accessed 2026-05-19.