What is Glyceryl 5-hydroxydodecanoate?
Glycerol 5-hydroxydodecanoate (CAS Number: 26446-32-2) is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. It is derived from the esterification of glycerol with 5-hydroxydodecanoic acid, a modified fatty acid with 12 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl functional group. This compound belongs to the broader category of fatty acid esters commonly used in food applications to enhance or modify flavor characteristics.
Common Uses
Glycerol 5-hydroxydodecanoate is used as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in the food industry. Like other synthetic flavor compounds, it may be incorporated into processed foods, beverages, seasonings, and other food products where its specific sensory properties are desired. The specific flavor profile and sensory contribution of this compound make it useful in formulations where subtle or complex taste notes are required. However, detailed information about its prevalence in specific food categories remains limited in public databases.
Safety Assessment
According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events and zero recalls associated with glyceryl 5-hydroxydodecanoate. The compound has not been formally approved under the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) program, which means it has not undergone the standard GRAS notification review process that establishes a consensus of expert opinion regarding its safety.
The absence of reported adverse events and recalls suggests that the compound has not generated significant safety concerns in its current food applications. However, the lack of GRAS status indicates that formal safety dossiers or peer-reviewed toxicological studies may not have been submitted to the FDA for evaluation, or such evaluations may not be publicly accessible.
As a synthetic ester derived from glycerol and a fatty acid derivative, the compound shares structural similarities with other food-grade fatty acid esters that have established safety profiles. Glycerol is a generally recognized safe compound, and fatty acid esters are widely used in food processing. However, each specific compound warrants individual evaluation.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, glyceryl 5-hydroxydodecanoate is permitted for use as a flavoring agent under FDA regulations, specifically 21 CFR Part 182 and related sections governing flavor ingredients. However, its non-GRAS status means it operates under different regulatory provisions than GRAS-affirmed compounds.
The European Union's approach to flavoring compounds involves the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) and comprehensive evaluation processes. Status within the EU flavor database should be verified for specific regulatory requirements in European markets.
The compound is not listed among FDA-prohibited or recalled substances, indicating it meets basic regulatory requirements for food use in jurisdictions where it is permitted.
Key Studies
Publicly available peer-reviewed literature specifically addressing the safety or toxicology of glyceryl 5-hydroxydodecanoate appears limited. Most information regarding this compound derives from FDA flavor ingredient databases and regulatory filings rather than published academic research.
For compounds in this class, safety evaluations typically consider absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties. As an ester of glycerol and a fatty acid, metabolic pathways would likely involve hydrolysis to component fatty acids and glycerol, both of which are normal constituents of dietary fat.
Comprehensive toxicological data for this specific compound would be contained in regulatory submissions to the FDA or other authorities, though such detailed information may not be publicly accessible unless specifically disclosed in regulatory documents.