# Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acid

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 98-89-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid is a synthetic organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts a characteristic carboxylic acid taste and is employed in small quantities to enhance or create specific flavor profiles in various food and beverage applications.

## 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 Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acid?

Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid, also known as hexahydrobenzoic acid, is a synthetic organic chemical with the CAS number 98-89-5. It belongs to the class of cycloaliphatic carboxylic acids and consists of a cyclohexane ring with a carboxylic acid functional group attached. The compound appears as a white to off-white crystalline solid and is slightly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. As a synthetic flavoring substance, it is used in extremely small quantities in food formulations.

## Common Uses

Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid is primarily used in the food industry as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant. Its applications include:

- Beverage flavoring, particularly in soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Dairy product flavoring, such as yogurts and flavored milk products
- Confectionery and candy applications
- Baked goods and snack food flavoring
- Savory food products requiring acidic flavor notes

The compound contributes a tart, acidic taste characteristic that can enhance overall flavor complexity in formulations. Typical usage levels are measured in parts per million (ppm), reflecting the potency of synthetic flavoring agents.

## Safety Assessment

Cyclohexanecarboxylic acid has not been formally approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) substance. However, this designation does not indicate safety concerns but rather reflects the regulatory category into which the additive falls. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events and zero recalls associated with this substance, indicating no reported safety incidents in the United States food supply.

The limited public health data on this compound reflects its narrow application in food products and the small quantities in which it is used. As with many synthetic flavoring agents, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid undergoes safety evaluation before authorization for use. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and other international regulatory bodies maintain databases of approved flavoring substances with established safety profiles.

Toxicological data for cyclohexanecarboxylic acid indicates low acute toxicity via oral, dermal, and inhalation routes. Standard safety testing for synthetic flavoring agents includes evaluation of potential effects on the gastrointestinal system, given the acidic nature of the compound. The structural similarity to naturally occurring carboxylic acids suggests a low likelihood of unexpected adverse effects, though synthetic variants undergo specific evaluation.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, cyclohexanecarboxylic acid is not listed as a GRAS substance but may be used in food products under the Food Additive Petition or as a synthetic flavoring substance subject to FDA regulations. The compound must meet specifications for purity and identity as established by the Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) or equivalent standards.

International regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. The European Union, Canada, Japan, and other regions maintain separate approval processes and lists for permitted flavoring substances. Where approved, use is typically restricted to specific food categories with maximum level restrictions to ensure safety margins.

Importers and manufacturers using this additive must maintain compliance with labeling requirements, which may specify the compound as "cyclohexanecarboxylic acid" or under its recognized flavor function classification.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature exists specifically focused on cyclohexanecarboxylic acid toxicity, reflecting its narrow industrial application and the extensive pre-market safety testing conducted by manufacturers. Safety assessments typically rely on:

- Standard acute toxicity testing protocols
- Structural analog analysis with known safe compounds
- Metabolism and absorption studies in relevant animal models
- Industry-sponsored safety dossiers submitted to regulatory authorities

The absence of reported adverse events in FDA databases and the zero recall history suggest that current usage levels and applications have not raised safety concerns among consumers or regulatory agencies. Continued monitoring through post-market surveillance remains part of the regulatory oversight system for all approved food additives.

## 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. "Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acid — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/cyclohexanecarboxylic-acid. Accessed 2026-05-19.