# Ethyl 2-methyl-4-pentenoate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 53399-81-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Ethyl 2-methyl-4-pentenoate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity and herbal notes in processed foods and beverages. It is not approved as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) substance by the FDA but has no documented adverse events or recalls associated with its use.

## 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 Ethyl 2-methyl-4-pentenoate?

Ethyl 2-methyl-4-pentenoate (CAS Number: 53399-81-8) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the ester class of flavoring molecules. It is characterized by a carbon chain with a methyl branch and a terminal double bond, combined with an ethyl ester functional group. This chemical structure contributes to its sensory properties, which are primarily fruity and herbal in character. The compound is manufactured through chemical synthesis rather than extracted from natural sources, classifying it as a synthetic flavoring agent.

## Common Uses

Ethyl 2-methyl-4-pentenoate is utilized in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent to enhance or create desired taste profiles in various products. Its applications typically include:

- Processed beverages (soft drinks, flavored waters, alcoholic drinks)
- Confectionery products (candies, chewing gums)
- Dairy-based products (yogurts, flavored milk)
- Baked goods and snack foods
- Savory food products where fruity or herbal notes are desired

The compound functions as a flavor adjuvant, meaning it may be used in combination with other flavoring substances to achieve complex flavor profiles. Typical usage levels in food are measured in parts per million (ppm), reflecting the potent nature of synthetic flavoring compounds.

## Safety Assessment

Ethyl 2-methyl-4-pentenoate has not been formally evaluated and approved as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) substance by the FDA. However, this classification does not automatically indicate a safety concern. The absence of GRAS status means the compound has not undergone the formal petition and review process required for that designation.

According to available FDA data, there have been zero documented adverse events or safety recalls associated with this flavoring compound. This absence of reported incidents suggests that any exposure through food consumption has not resulted in documented harm or adverse health outcomes in the general population.

The compound's safety profile is informed by its chemical structure and properties. As a simple ester with no known bioaccumulative or toxic functional groups, it is expected to be metabolized similarly to other ester-based compounds in the human body. However, comprehensive toxicological studies specific to this compound are not readily available in public databases.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, ethyl 2-methyl-4-pentenoate may be used as a flavoring agent under FDA regulations, though it does not hold formal GRAS approval. The FDA regulates flavoring substances through 21 CFR Part 182 (GRAS Affirmed as Safe) and Part 184 (Direct Food Additives Permitted in Food for Human Consumption).

The regulatory status in other jurisdictions varies. The European Union maintains its own approval processes through EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and has established the FLAVIS (Flavoring Industry and Regulatory Data) database, though specific information on this compound's EU approval status requires consultation of that database.

Manufacturers using this flavoring compound must ensure compliance with country-specific food safety regulations and labeling requirements where it is incorporated into food products.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically evaluating ethyl 2-methyl-4-pentenoate in humans or animals is limited in public accessibility. Most safety data for synthetic flavoring esters derives from structural class evaluations and in vitro studies rather than compound-specific research.

The lack of documented adverse events or recalls over its history of use in food applications suggests an acceptable safety margin at current usage levels, though this does not constitute proof of absolute safety. Interested parties seeking detailed toxicological data should consult the manufacturer's safety data sheets or contact relevant regulatory agencies directly.

## 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. "Ethyl 2-methyl-4-pentenoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/ethyl-2-methyl-4-pentenoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.