# Cis-3-hexenyl Butyrate

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 16491-36-4
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Cis-3-hexenyl butyrate is a naturally-derived flavoring compound that provides fresh, green, grassy notes to food and beverage products. It is used in small quantities to enhance flavor profiles in various processed foods.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is Cis-3-hexenyl Butyrate?

Cis-3-hexenyl butyrate (CAS Number 16491-36-4) is an organic ester compound used as a flavoring agent in the food industry. This volatile compound has a chemical structure consisting of a butyric acid moiety esterified with cis-3-hexenol, a naturally occurring alcohol found in plants. The compound contributes a fresh, green, herbaceous flavor profile reminiscent of cut grass and plant leaves, making it valuable in flavor formulation.

## Common Uses

Cis-3-hexenyl butyrate is employed primarily in the flavor industry as a component of complex flavor systems. It is used in very small concentrations (typically parts per million) in various food categories including:

- Beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Dairy products and yogurts
- Baked goods and grain products
- Savory snacks and seasonings
- Condiments and sauces

The compound functions to enhance or modify the sensory experience of foods by providing authentic, natural-tasting green notes that complement other flavor components. Its use is typical of the broader category of natural and nature-identical flavoring substances used throughout the food industry.

## Safety Assessment

Cis-3-hexenyl butyrate has not been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, which means it has not gone through the formal GRAS notification process. However, this classification status does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects the regulatory pathway taken by manufacturers.

According to available FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls linked to its use. This lack of adverse event reporting is consistent with the extensive history of safe use of similar ester flavoring compounds in the food supply.

The compound's safety profile is supported by its chemical similarity to naturally-occurring volatile compounds found in fruits, vegetables, and plant materials. Ester flavoring compounds in general have been extensively studied and are widely recognized as safe at typical use levels in food applications. The butyrate ester class of flavorings has a long history of safe use in food and beverage products.

## Regulatory Status

Under FDA regulations, flavoring substances used in food must comply with 21 CFR Part 182 (Substances Generally Recognized as Safe) or other applicable regulations. While cis-3-hexenyl butyrate has not submitted a GRAS notification, it may be used under FDA's authority as a permissible additive in food products when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices at levels that achieve the intended flavoring effect without exceeding safe consumption levels.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains a database of approved flavorings used in the EU. Similar ester compounds undergo rigorous evaluation before approval in European markets. Manufacturers utilizing this compound in international markets must comply with regulations in each relevant jurisdiction.

Food manufacturers are responsible for ensuring that any flavoring agents used in their products meet applicable safety and regulatory requirements, maintain accurate ingredient labeling, and comply with quantity limitations established through established safety data.

## Key Studies

While specific published safety studies focused exclusively on cis-3-hexenyl butyrate are limited in the public domain, the safety assessment of this compound relies on:

1. The established safety profile of structurally similar ester flavorings
2. Acute toxicity data for related butyrate esters
3. The compound's volatile nature and rapid metabolic breakdown following ingestion
4. The absence of reported adverse events in over 40 years of food industry use
5. Chemical similarity to naturally-occurring plant volatiles

The flavoring industry relies heavily on Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) assessment and precedent safety data for chemically similar compounds when evaluating new flavoring substances. Ester compounds like cis-3-hexenyl butyrate are generally metabolized rapidly in the gastrointestinal tract and do not accumulate in body tissues.

## 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. "Cis-3-hexenyl Butyrate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/cis-3-hexenyl-butyrate. Accessed 2026-05-19.