What is Cis-6-nonen-1-ol?
Cis-6-nonen-1-ol (CAS Number: 35854-86-5) is an unsaturated aliphatic alcohol belonging to the family of volatile organic compounds. It is a nine-carbon chain compound with a hydroxyl group and a double bond in the cis configuration at the sixth carbon position. This compound occurs naturally in various fruits and plants, contributing to their characteristic aromatic profiles.
Common Uses
Cis-6-nonen-1-ol is utilized as a flavoring agent in the food industry to enhance or create specific sensory characteristics in food and beverage products. Its primary function is as a flavoring agent or adjuvant. The compound typically imparts fruity, green, and fresh floral notes, making it valuable in applications such as:
- Fruit-flavored beverages
- Confectionery products
- Dairy products
- Baked goods
- Flavor compositions and fragrance blends
The compound is typically used in very small concentrations, as is standard practice with volatile flavor compounds in food manufacturing.
Safety Assessment
Cis-6-nonen-1-ol has not received FDA Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) status. However, this designation does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS notification or determination has not been completed through FDA channels.
According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with this additive and zero recalls linked to its use. This absence of documented adverse effects in the U.S. marketplace provides a baseline indicator of safety in practical food applications.
The compound's chemical structure—a simple aliphatic alcohol—suggests low inherent toxicity potential compared to more complex synthetic molecules. As a volatile organic compound, it is readily processed and eliminated by normal metabolic pathways in the body.
Regulatory Status
Cis-6-nonen-1-ol is not currently listed on the FDA's GRAS inventory. However, its regulatory status varies internationally:
- In the European Union, similar flavor compounds are evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) through their flavor evaluation programs
- The compound may be approved or permitted in certain jurisdictions for use as a flavoring agent
- Use levels are typically governed by Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles, meaning quantities should not exceed those necessary to achieve the desired flavoring effect
Manufacturers utilizing this additive should verify current regulatory compliance in their specific markets, as regulations governing flavor compounds continue to evolve.
Key Studies
Limited published peer-reviewed research specifically focuses on cis-6-nonen-1-ol in isolation, which is typical for naturally occurring flavor compounds used at very low concentrations in food. The lack of published adverse event literature, combined with zero FDA-recorded adverse events and recalls, suggests the compound has an acceptable safety profile in food applications at conventional use levels.
The absence of safety data gaps in regulatory records indicates that food manufacturers have not identified concerns warranting investigation or reporting. The compound's structural simplicity and its natural occurrence in foods provide additional context supporting its general acceptability as a flavoring agent.