What is (E)-2-(3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl)cyclopentanone?
(E)-2-(3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadienyl)cyclopentanone, identified by CAS number 74016-19-6, is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the cyclopentanone family of flavor chemicals. The molecule consists of a cyclopentanone ring (a five-membered carbon ring with one oxygen atom) bonded to a geranyl side chain, which is a C10 unsaturated hydrocarbon structure. This particular structural configuration gives the compound its characteristic aromatic profile. The compound exists in the (E)-configuration, referring to the geometric arrangement of its double bonds, which influences its sensory properties and reactivity.
Common Uses
This flavoring compound is used primarily in the fragrance and flavoring industries to create complex aromatic profiles in processed foods and beverages. It contributes woody, herbal, and slightly spicy notes to formulations. Like many synthetic flavor chemicals, it is typically used in very small concentrations—often measured in parts per million—to achieve desired sensory effects. The compound may appear in savory products, beverages, confectionery items, and other processed foods where enhanced or novel flavor profiles are desired.
Safety Assessment
The available data on this specific compound shows no reported adverse events to the FDA, and there are no associated product recalls in FDA databases. However, it is important to note that the absence of reported adverse events does not constitute formal approval or a comprehensive safety determination. The compound has not been granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the FDA, meaning it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process that many flavor chemicals pursue.
Like other synthetic flavor chemicals, safety assessment typically considers dermal toxicity, oral toxicity, and potential allergenicity. The geranyl structure in this molecule is related to naturally occurring compounds found in plants, though the cyclopentanone modification creates a distinct chemical entity. Most synthetic flavor compounds used in food undergo evaluation for genotoxicity, repeat-dose toxicity, and developmental toxicity according to standard toxicological testing protocols when such data is available.
Regulatory Status
The regulatory status of this compound varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, while not GRAS-approved, it may be used as a flavoring agent under FDA regulations for flavoring substances and adjuvants when used in accordance with good manufacturing practices and at levels that do not exceed those necessary to achieve the intended flavor effect. The FDA's Color Additives and Flavoring Substances regulations (21 CFR Parts 73 and 182) establish the framework for approved use.
In the European Union, this compound would fall under the Food Flavourings Regulation (EC 1334/2008), which maintains a Union list of approved flavoring substances. Specific approval status in the EU should be verified against current regulatory databases.
Manufacturers using this flavoring compound must ensure compliance with local regulations, proper labeling, and adherence to use levels established through safety assessment.
Key Studies
While specific published safety studies on this particular compound may be limited in publicly available literature, similar cyclopentanone-based flavor compounds have been evaluated through standard toxicological testing protocols. The structural similarity to naturally occurring geranyl compounds suggests that the additional cyclopentanone moiety is the primary area of safety concern in assessment.
Flavor safety assessment typically relies on data packages submitted to regulatory bodies and evaluated according to guidelines from organizations such as the International Organization of Flavoring Industries (IOFI) and principles established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). These evaluations consider the structural class, intended use levels, and metabolic fate of flavor compounds.
Additional research or safety documentation on this specific compound may exist in proprietary databases or regulatory dossiers not publicly available.