# Diisopropyl Adipate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/diisopropyl-adipate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/diisopropyl-adipate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 6938-94-9
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Diisopropyl adipate is a synthetic ester compound used as a flavoring agent and adjuvant in food products. It is not currently approved as a food additive by the FDA and has not been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS).

## 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 Diisopropyl Adipate?

Diisopropyl adipate (DIPA) is a chemical compound with the CAS number 6938-94-9. It is an ester formed from adipic acid and isopropanol. The compound is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with limited volatility. Chemically, it belongs to the family of adipate esters, which are synthetic compounds created through esterification reactions. These types of esters have various industrial and cosmetic applications, though food use remains limited and regulated.

## Common Uses

Diisopropyl adipate is classified as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant. Flavoring adjuvants are substances that enhance, modify, or support the sensory properties of food products without necessarily providing flavor themselves. They may be used to improve flavor delivery, stability, or sensory profile in food formulations. However, it is important to note that DIPA is not currently approved for use in food in the United States under FDA regulations. Its use in food products would require specific authorization and safety clearance from regulatory bodies before it could be legally incorporated into consumer foods.

## Safety Assessment

Limited publicly available data exists regarding the safety profile of diisopropyl adipate in food applications. The FDA has received zero adverse event reports associated with this compound and zero recalls involving its use. This absence of reported incidents does not necessarily indicate approval or safety verification; rather, it reflects limited commercial food use in regulated markets.

As a synthetic ester, diisopropyl adipate would undergo safety evaluation based on toxicological studies including acute toxicity, subchronic toxicity, and other relevant endpoints depending on the proposed level of dietary exposure. The lack of GRAS status indicates that the compound has not been through the formal GRAS notification process or has not been determined to meet GRAS criteria by the FDA. Manufacturers or suppliers interested in using this additive would need to establish its safety through appropriate toxicological testing and submit supporting data for regulatory review.

## Regulatory Status

Diisopropyl adipate is not approved as a food additive in the United States Food and Drug Administration's list of permitted additives. It does not hold GRAS status, meaning it cannot be used in food without specific FDA approval. Different regulatory jurisdictions may have varying positions on this compound. Some regions may permit its use under certain conditions, while others may not have evaluated it for food applications.

Food manufacturers considering the use of any non-approved additive must follow appropriate regulatory pathways in their target markets. In the United States, this would typically involve submitting a food additive petition to the FDA with comprehensive safety data, or demonstrating GRAS status through a GRAS Notice submission to the agency.

## Key Studies

Published peer-reviewed research specifically evaluating diisopropyl adipate's safety in food applications is limited. The compound's use has primarily been explored in non-food industrial and cosmetic contexts. Any evaluation of this additive for food use would require manufacturers to commission appropriate toxicological studies meeting FDA guidelines for food additive safety assessment. These studies would typically include evaluation of gastrointestinal absorption, metabolism, potential for bioaccumulation, and toxicological effects at relevant dose levels.

The absence of significant published food safety literature on this compound underscores the importance of rigorous pre-market safety evaluation before any consideration for food applications.

## 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. "Diisopropyl Adipate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/diisopropyl-adipate. Accessed 2026-05-19.