# Caryophyllene Alcohol Acetate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/caryophyllene-alcohol-acetate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/caryophyllene-alcohol-acetate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 17622-35-4
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Caryophyllene alcohol acetate is a synthetic flavoring compound derived from caryophyllene, a natural terpene found in cloves and hops. It functions as a flavor enhancer and flavoring agent in food products, contributing spicy and woody aromatic notes.

## 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 Caryophyllene Alcohol Acetate?

Caryophyllene alcohol acetate (CAS Number: 17622-35-4) is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. It is chemically derived from caryophyllene, a sesquiterpene naturally occurring in plants such as cloves, black pepper, hops, and cannabis. The compound is created through acetylation of caryophyllene alcohol and is used in minute quantities in food and beverage applications to provide or enhance flavor profiles.

## Common Uses

This additive is primarily employed in the flavor industry as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer. Its applications include:

- Beverages: Used in flavored drinks, spirits, and alcoholic beverages
- Confectionery: Added to candies and chewing gums
- Baked goods: Incorporated into spiced cakes, cookies, and bread products
- Savory foods: Utilized in seasoning blends and processed meat products
- Condiments: Found in sauces and spice formulations

The compound contributes warm, spicy, woody, and slightly peppery notes to food products. Typical use levels are very low, generally in the parts per million (ppm) range, which is standard practice for synthetic flavoring compounds.

## Safety Assessment

Caryophyllene alcohol acetate has not been formally evaluated and approved by the FDA under the Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) designation. However, this classification reflects the regulatory status rather than an assessment of danger. The compound's parent molecule, caryophyllene, is naturally occurring and has a long history of use in foods and beverages.

According to available FDA data, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with caryophyllene alcohol acetate and zero product recalls related to this additive. This absence of reported safety issues over its history of use suggests a favorable safety profile, though the lack of formal GRAS status indicates limited formal regulatory review.

The chemical structure of caryophyllene alcohol acetate suggests low oral toxicity based on structural analogs and related compounds. As a volatile flavoring compound used in extremely small quantities—typically measured in parts per million—systemic exposure from food consumption would be minimal.

## Regulatory Status

Caryophyllene alcohol acetate is not currently listed as a GRAS substance by the FDA, meaning it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or been approved through a food additive petition. However, its use in the United States appears to occur under the assumption of acceptable safety based on its chemical nature and minimal use levels.

In the European Union, this compound may be evaluated under the EFSA's flavoring regulations (Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008). The regulatory landscape for synthetic flavoring agents varies by jurisdiction, and manufacturers using this compound must ensure compliance with local regulations in their target markets.

The compound is listed in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and industry flavor databases as a recognized flavoring substance, indicating its established use within the flavor manufacturing industry.

## Key Studies

Limited published peer-reviewed studies specifically address caryophyllene alcohol acetate in isolation. However, relevant research includes:

- Studies on parent compound caryophyllene demonstrating low toxicity profiles in animal models
- General safety assessments of structurally similar sesquiterpene derivatives
- Historical use data from flavor industry applications spanning several decades
- Chemical stability and volatility studies indicating that this compound is unlikely to persist in the gastrointestinal tract

The absence of adverse event reports despite decades of use in the flavor industry provides practical evidence of safety at current use levels. Additional formal safety studies would require industry or regulatory initiative, as is typical for well-established flavor compounds with established safety histories.

## 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. "Caryophyllene Alcohol Acetate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/caryophyllene-alcohol-acetate. Accessed 2026-05-19.