What is Citral Glyceryl Acetal?
Citral glyceryl acetal (CAS Number 5694-82-6) is a synthetic flavoring compound created through the chemical reaction of citral, glycerin, and acetaldehyde. Citral itself is a naturally occurring monoterpene aldehyde found primarily in lemongrass, lemon, and lime essential oils. The glyceryl acetal derivative is engineered to provide improved stability and flavor release characteristics compared to free citral in food applications.
Common Uses
Citral glyceryl acetal is employed as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant in various processed foods and beverages. Its primary applications include:
- Citrus-flavored beverages and soft drinks
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Dairy products including yogurts and flavored milk
- Chewing gums and mints
- Savory snacks and seasonings
The compound is valued in food manufacturing for its ability to impart authentic lemon, lime, and citrus flavor profiles while maintaining stability during processing, storage, and shelf-life.
Safety Assessment
Citral glyceryl acetal has not been formally evaluated and approved as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. However, it operates within the regulatory framework of synthetic flavoring agents that are permitted in food under 21 CFR §182.60 when used as flavoring agents or adjuvants in food.
The FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) contains zero reported adverse events associated with citral glyceryl acetal, and no food recalls have been linked to this ingredient. This absence of documented safety incidents, combined with decades of use in food products without reported harm, provides practical safety data.
The parent compound citral has been extensively studied and is recognized as a safe ingredient by multiple regulatory bodies. Citral exhibits low acute toxicity and is metabolized effectively by the body. The glyceryl acetal modification typically reduces reactivity and improves digestive tolerance compared to free aldehydes.
As with most synthetic flavoring compounds used at levels below 10-50 parts per million in food products, the actual dietary exposure to citral glyceryl acetal is minimal and considered safe for the general population.
Regulatory Status
Citral glyceryl acetal is permitted in food in the United States under the FDA's regulations for synthetic flavoring agents (21 CFR §182.60). It appears on the FDA's list of flavoring substances and related substances as a permitted indirect food additive.
In the European Union, citral glyceryl acetal is registered as a flavoring substance under EC Regulation 1334/2008. It is assigned the flavor classification code FL 02.003 (Aldehydes and related compounds in the chemical group of aliphatic and aromatic aldehydes).
Canada's Food and Drugs Act permits citral glyceryl acetal for use in food flavoring applications. The ingredient is also accepted in food regulations in Japan, Australia, and other developed markets.
Key Studies
Limited peer-reviewed studies specifically examine citral glyceryl acetal in isolation. However, relevant research includes:
- Citral toxicology studies demonstrating low systemic toxicity and safe metabolism (Journal of Toxicology in Vitro)
- FEMA GRAS assessments of related citral derivatives showing acceptable safety margins
- Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) evaluations of synthetic flavor aldehydes
- Historical safety data from decades of commercial use in food products
The lack of specific adverse event reports and recalls indicates that citral glyceryl acetal has maintained a safe track record in commercial food applications.