What is Cis-4-decenol?
Cis-4-decenol (CAS Number: 57074-37-0) is an unsaturated aliphatic alcohol classified as a flavoring agent. The compound exists as a clear to pale yellow liquid and belongs to the family of organic flavor compounds used extensively in the food industry. Its chemical structure contains a ten-carbon chain with a double bond in the cis configuration at the fourth position and a hydroxyl group, giving it distinctive aromatic properties.
Common Uses
Cis-4-decenol is employed primarily as a flavoring adjuvant in the food and beverage industry. Its applications include:
- Fruity flavor profiles in processed foods and beverages
- Floral and herbal note enhancement in flavoring formulations
- Fragrance components in food products requiring complex flavor systems
- Minor ingredient in combination with other flavor compounds to achieve desired sensory characteristics
The compound is typically used at very low concentrations, as is standard practice with most synthetic flavoring agents, where only small quantities are needed to achieve the desired flavor impact.
Safety Assessment
Cis-4-decenol has not received formal FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status. However, the compound carries several indicators suggesting a favorable safety profile:
- Zero adverse events have been reported to the FDA regarding this additive
- No FDA recalls involving cis-4-decenol have been documented
- The compound is structurally related to naturally-occurring flavor components found in fruits and plants
- It is used at extremely low concentrations typical of synthetic flavoring agents
As with many flavor compounds, safety assessments are based on intended use levels and exposure patterns. The very small quantities employed in food applications significantly limit potential exposure.
Regulatory Status
Cis-4-decenol's regulatory position varies by jurisdiction:
- **United States**: Not listed as GRAS by the FDA, but may be used in foods under the FDA's flavor ingredient regulations if it meets criteria for safe use at intended levels
- **European Union**: Flavor compounds are regulated under EC Regulation 1334/2008, which establishes requirements for flavoring substances used in foods
- **International**: Some countries include this compound in their approved flavor ingredient lists based on safety and usage data
Manufacturers and food companies using cis-4-decenol must comply with local regulations regarding flavor ingredient declaration and maximum use levels.
Key Studies
The scientific literature on cis-4-decenol remains limited compared to more commonly used flavor compounds. Available information includes:
- Chemical and organoleptic characterization data from flavor industry sources
- Structure-activity relationship studies relevant to similar unsaturated alcohols
- General toxicological assessments of similar flavor compounds with comparable chemical structures
- Usage data from the flavor industry documenting historical safe application levels
Most safety evaluations of flavor compounds in this category rely on the "threshold of toxicological concern" (TTC) approach, which assumes that substances used at very low dietary levels (typically below 1.5 micrograms per person per day) present negligible safety risk.
The absence of reported adverse events or regulatory actions provides reassurance about current usage patterns, though ongoing monitoring through post-market surveillance remains important for all food additives.