# Decanal Propyleneglycol Acetal

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 5421-12-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Decanal propyleneglycol acetal (CAS 5421-12-5) is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity and floral notes in food products. It functions as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in the food industry with no reported adverse events or recalls in FDA databases.

## 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 Decanal Propyleneglycol Acetal?

Decanal propyleneglycol acetal is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. It is an acetal derived from decanal (a naturally-occurring aldehyde found in some essential oils) and propylene glycol. The compound's chemical structure allows it to deliver fruity and floral flavor notes to food and beverage products. As a synthetic flavoring, it is manufactured through chemical synthesis rather than extracted from natural sources, though its precursor decanal has natural origins.

## Common Uses

Decanal propyleneglycol acetal is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent in various applications, including:

- Beverages (soft drinks, flavored waters, alcoholic drinks)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Dairy products (yogurts, flavored milk)
- Baked goods and desserts
- Savory products and seasonings

As a flavoring adjuvant, it works synergistically with other flavor compounds to enhance or modify the overall sensory profile of food products. The compound's stability at moderate temperatures and solubility in propylene glycol makes it suitable for incorporation into various food matrices.

## Safety Assessment

According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with decanal propyleneglycol acetal and zero recalls linked to this additive. The absence of adverse event reports suggests a favorable safety profile in practical food applications.

The compound has not received formal GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status from the FDA, which means it has not gone through the official GRAS notification process. However, this does not indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects the regulatory pathway and company decisions regarding formal FDA notification. Many flavoring compounds function in commerce without formal GRAS designation.

As an acetal, the compound is designed to be relatively stable during food processing and storage but may hydrolyze into its constituent components (decanal and propylene glycol) under certain conditions. Both decanal and propylene glycol have established safety profiles in food applications.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, decanal propyleneglycol acetal appears to be used in food products without FDA prohibition. The compound is not listed on the FDA's banned or restricted additives list. Its regulatory status reflects acceptance for use as a flavoring agent, consistent with FDA regulations for synthetic flavoring substances under 21 CFR Part 182.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate approval processes for flavorings. Specific approval status in the EU should be verified through the EU flavoring regulation database, as requirements may differ from U.S. regulations.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature on decanal propyleneglycol acetal specifically is limited in public databases. Safety assessments of acetal-based flavorings generally focus on:

- Hydrolysis behavior and breakdown products
- Absorption and metabolism patterns
- Acute toxicity studies
- Subchronic exposure assessments

The absence of adverse events reported to the FDA over decades of use in commerce provides empirical evidence of safety under current use conditions. Regulatory agencies typically require toxicological data during the approval process for novel flavoring compounds, though this data may not be publicly available for proprietary compounds.

For comprehensive safety information, manufacturers utilizing this additive typically maintain full toxicological data files and safety documentation in compliance with FDA regulations.

## 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. "Decanal Propyleneglycol Acetal — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/decanal-propyleneglycol-acetal. Accessed 2026-05-19.