What is Cyclohexyl Anthranilate?
Cyclohexyl anthranilate (CAS Number: 7779-16-0) is a synthetic flavoring compound classified as an ester derivative. It consists of a cyclohexyl group attached to an anthranilate (methylanthranilic acid) moiety. This organic molecule is manufactured through chemical synthesis rather than extracted from natural sources, making it a synthetic flavoring agent.
Common Uses
Cyclohexyl anthranilate is used primarily in the food industry as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant. Its main applications include:
- Beverage flavoring, particularly in fruit-flavored drinks and soft drinks
- Confectionery and candy production
- Baked goods and dessert formulations
- Chewing gum and mint products
- Dairy products and yogurts
The compound contributes fruity, floral, and slightly spicy taste notes that enhance or modify the overall sensory profile of food products. Typical usage levels are minimal, generally in the range of parts per million (ppm), as flavoring agents are potent and only small quantities are required to achieve desired taste effects.
Safety Assessment
According to FDA records, cyclohexyl anthranilate has generated zero reported adverse events and zero product recalls. This absence of documented safety incidents suggests that the compound, when used in food applications, has not been associated with consumer health complaints or quality issues requiring market withdrawal.
The toxicological profile of cyclohexyl anthranilate remains limited in the publicly available scientific literature. Like many synthetic flavoring agents, comprehensive safety studies examining acute and chronic toxicity endpoints have not been extensively documented in widely accessible databases. The lack of adverse event reports does not necessarily indicate exhaustive safety testing has been completed, but rather reflects the absence of identified safety concerns from post-market surveillance.
When evaluating synthetic flavoring agents, regulatory agencies typically consider factors including chemical structure, proposed use levels, potential metabolic pathways, and similarity to other approved flavorings. The very low exposure levels typical of flavoring agents—often measured in micrograms per serving—contribute to the general safety profile of compounds in this category.
Regulatory Status
Cyclohexyl anthranilate is NOT approved by the FDA as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance. This designation is significant: it means the compound has not been formally evaluated through the GRAS notification process or exempted through other FDA approval mechanisms.
Despite the lack of GRAS status, cyclohexyl anthranilate may still be used in food products under specific regulatory frameworks or on a restricted basis in certain jurisdictions. The regulatory pathway for synthetic flavoring agents varies by country. In the European Union, flavoring compounds are subject to the Flavourings Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, which maintains a positive list of approved substances.
Manufacturers using this ingredient should verify current regulatory compliance in their specific markets, as flavoring regulations continue to evolve and may be updated based on new safety information.
Key Studies
Published peer-reviewed research specifically investigating cyclohexyl anthranilate's safety is limited. Most information regarding this compound derives from industrial use data, chemical property databases, and regulatory submissions rather than published academic studies.
The chemical structure of cyclohexyl anthranilate suggests it would undergo metabolic transformation similar to other ester compounds, potentially being hydrolyzed to constituent parts before absorption and elimination. However, definitive metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies specific to this compound are not widely documented in accessible scientific literature.
Broader research on anthranilate-based compounds and cyclohexyl derivatives provides some contextual information, though direct extrapolation to this specific flavoring agent requires caution. The flavoring industry generally operates under the principle that comprehensive toxicity testing of individual compounds occurs during development, though publication of such studies varies.