# Ethyl Trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 1617-40-9
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Ethyl trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity and apple-like notes to food and beverage products. This ester is not approved as a food additive by the FDA but may be used in some flavor applications under specific regulatory frameworks.

## 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 Trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoate?

Ethyl trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoate (CAS Number: 1617-40-9) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the ester family of flavoring molecules. It is characterized by a five-carbon chain with a double bond and a methyl branch, esterified with ethanol. This compound is chemically designed to provide fruity, apple-like, and green note flavors in food and beverage formulations.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is primarily utilized in the food and beverage industry to enhance or create fruity flavor profiles. Common applications include:

- Flavored beverages and soft drinks
- Fruit-flavored candies and confections
- Dairy products such as yogurts and flavored milk
- Baked goods and desserts
- Savory snack seasonings where fruit notes are desired

The compound's fruity character makes it a functional ingredient in formulations seeking natural or artificial fruit flavor enhancement without adding actual fruit ingredients.

## Safety Assessment

Ethyl trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoate has not been formally reviewed and approved under the FDA's Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) framework. However, the compound has generated no adverse events reported to the FDA and has been associated with zero recalls, indicating no documented safety incidents in commercial food applications.

Like many synthetic flavoring compounds, safety assessment typically relies on structural similarity to known safe compounds, acute and subchronic toxicity studies, and historical use data. The lack of reported adverse events suggests the compound has not caused identifiable harm in consumers at typical dietary exposure levels.

The absence of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that a formal petition for GRAS recognition has not been submitted to or approved by the FDA. Many synthetic flavoring compounds operate under the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA) GRAS program, which provides an alternative regulatory pathway for flavor safety assessment.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, ethyl trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoate is not listed on the FDA's inventory of approved food additives with explicit GRAS status. The compound's regulatory status varies internationally:

- **United States**: May be used under FEMA GRAS provisions or as a food additive in certain applications, though formal FDA approval has not been established
- **European Union**: Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008 governs flavorings; this compound may be evaluated under EU flavor regulations
- **Other Jurisdictions**: Status varies by country; manufacturers must verify compliance in each target market

Food manufacturers using this compound should maintain documentation of its safety and comply with local labeling and ingredient disclosure requirements.

## Key Studies

Direct published toxicology studies specific to ethyl trans-2-methyl-2-pentenoate are limited in the public domain. Safety assessments for this and similar synthetic esters typically evaluate:

- Acute oral toxicity profiles
- Metabolic pathway analysis and proposed safe use levels
- Structural comparisons to established safe flavor compounds
- Historical consumption data where available

The FEMA Expert Panel and similar regulatory bodies assess synthetic flavoring compounds using standardized methodologies and safety thresholds of concern (STC). The absence of documented adverse events and recalls provides reassurance regarding real-world safety at current use levels, though definitive peer-reviewed toxicology studies would require accessing manufacturer technical files or FEMA submissions.

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