What is Cyclohexaneethyl Acetate?
Cyclohexaneethyl acetate (CAS Number: 21722-83-8) is a synthetic ester compound composed of cyclohexaneethanol and acetic acid. It exists as a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a fruity, pleasant odor. The compound is classified as an organic flavoring substance and is used in the food industry to enhance or modify the flavor profile of various products. As a synthetic flavoring agent, it does not occur naturally in significant quantities and is manufactured through chemical synthesis for commercial food applications.
Common Uses
Cyclohexaneethyl acetate is employed as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in the food and beverage industry. Its primary applications include:
- Confectionery products and candies
- Flavored beverages and soft drinks
- Baked goods and snack foods
- Desserts and ice cream products
- Other processed foods requiring fruity or aromatic flavor notes
The compound is typically used in very small quantities, as is standard with synthetic flavoring agents. Its fruity character makes it suitable for formulations intended to convey natural or fruit-like flavor impressions. The amount used in food products is generally measured in parts per million (ppm), reflecting the potency of synthetic flavoring compounds.
Safety Assessment
Cyclohexaneethyl acetate has not been formally evaluated by the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) program, meaning it lacks official GRAS status in the United States. However, the safety profile of this additive appears favorable based on available data. According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with this ingredient and zero recalls linked to its use in food products.
As an acetate ester, cyclohexaneethyl acetate belongs to a well-established class of synthetic flavoring compounds that have been widely used in food manufacturing. Many structurally similar acetate esters have undergone safety evaluation and have been assigned GRAS status or approved in various regulatory jurisdictions.
The absence of reported adverse events and recalls suggests that, when used at typical flavoring concentrations, this compound has not raised safety concerns among consumers or regulatory authorities. However, the lack of formal GRAS designation indicates that comprehensive toxicological studies may not have been submitted to the FDA for official determination.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, cyclohexaneethyl acetate is not listed as a GRAS substance by the FDA, which means it operates under different regulatory provisions. Manufacturers using this ingredient should verify compliance with current FDA regulations and labeling requirements applicable to synthetic flavoring agents.
The regulatory status may vary internationally. Some jurisdictions in Europe or other regions may have different approval pathways or restrictions for this compound. Manufacturers and importers should consult regional regulatory guidelines before using this ingredient in products intended for specific markets.
Unlike food colorants or certain preservatives, flavoring agents generally face less stringent pre-market approval requirements in many countries, though they must still comply with established safety and use standards.
Key Studies
Limited published scientific literature is readily available on cyclohexaneethyl acetate specifically. Most safety assessment data for synthetic flavoring agents derives from general toxicology studies on chemical families rather than individual compounds. For acetate esters used in food flavoring, safety evaluations typically assess acute toxicity, potential for bioaccumulation, and metabolic pathways.
The lack of reported adverse events and absence of recalls in FDA databases suggest adequate safety margins at current usage levels. Comprehensive toxicological studies may exist in manufacturers' proprietary databases or regulatory dossiers, though these are not always publicly accessible.
For consumers and professionals seeking detailed safety information, contacting the manufacturer or reviewing product-specific safety data sheets may provide additional technical information regarding this ingredient.