What is (E,Z)-3,6-nonadien-1-ol Acetate?
(E,Z)-3,6-nonadien-1-ol acetate is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. It is identified by CAS Number 211323-05-6 and belongs to the class of unsaturated alcohols with acetate ester functional groups. The compound's chemical structure contains a nine-carbon backbone with two double bonds in different configurations (one in E-configuration and one in Z-configuration), combined with an acetate group. This structural composition contributes to its aromatic properties and sensory characteristics in food applications.
Common Uses
This additive functions as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant in the food industry. Its primary application is in creating or enhancing fruity and floral flavor profiles in various food and beverage products. Like other synthetic flavor compounds, it may be used in small concentrations to achieve desired sensory characteristics. The compound is typically employed in processed foods, beverages, confectionery, and other products where specific aromatic notes are desired. The actual prevalence of use in commercial food products is limited, as the compound has not achieved GRAS status in the United States.
Safety Assessment
Currently, (E,Z)-3,6-nonadien-1-ol acetate has not been evaluated and approved as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. This designation does not necessarily indicate a safety concern but rather reflects that the compound has not undergone the formal GRAS determination process or does not have sufficient historical use and scientific data to support such classification. The FDA database shows zero reported adverse events associated with this additive and zero product recalls linked to its presence. This absence of adverse event reports suggests no documented safety incidents have been formally reported to regulatory authorities. However, the lack of GRAS status means the compound's use in food is limited or restricted in the United States without proper regulatory authorization. Any use would require either a food additive petition to the FDA or compliance with specific regulatory pathways for flavor substances.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, (E,Z)-3,6-nonadien-1-ol acetate is not approved as a food additive without restriction. The compound has not received GRAS affirmation from the FDA, which limits its legal use in food products marketed in the United States. However, it may be permitted under specific regulatory frameworks in other jurisdictions. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate evaluations of flavor compounds, and this substance may have different regulatory status in European markets. Manufacturers seeking to use this compound in food products would need to pursue appropriate regulatory pathways, such as submitting a food additive petition to the FDA or obtaining approval through alternative regulatory mechanisms in their target markets.
Key Studies
Limited published scientific literature is available specifically on (E,Z)-3,6-nonadien-1-ol acetate's safety profile and toxicological properties. The absence of GRAS status indicates that comprehensive safety data packages, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) studies, acute and chronic toxicity assessments, and genotoxicity evaluations, may not have been submitted to regulatory authorities or may not be publicly available. Toxicological data on structurally similar synthetic flavor compounds and acetate esters provide some context for understanding this compound's potential safety profile, but direct studies on this specific substance would be necessary for definitive safety determinations. The food industry relies on structure-activity relationship analyses and toxicological guidance documents published by organizations like the International Organization of the Flavor Industry (IOFI) and regulatory bodies when evaluating novel flavor compounds.