# Hexyl 3-mercaptobutanoate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/hexyl-3-mercaptobutanoate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/hexyl-3-mercaptobutanoate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 796857-79-9
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Hexyl 3-mercaptobutanoate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart savory, meaty, and sulfur-based taste notes in food products. It belongs to a class of organosulfur compounds designed to enhance flavor complexity in processed foods.

## 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 Hexyl 3-mercaptobutanoate?

Hexyl 3-mercaptobutanoate is a synthetic organic compound with the CAS number 796857-79-9. It is classified as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant—substances added to foods in small quantities primarily to enhance or modify taste and aroma rather than provide nutritional value. The compound contains a thiol (mercapto) functional group, which is characteristic of compounds that produce sulfurous, meaty, or savory flavor notes. The hexyl ester structure indicates the molecule consists of a six-carbon alkyl chain attached to a 3-mercaptobutanoic acid core.

## Common Uses

Hexyl 3-mercaptobutanoate is used in the flavor industry as a component in complex flavor systems. Its primary applications include:

- Meat and savory flavoring systems for processed foods
- Cheese and fermented food flavor mimics
- Sulfurous or umami-enhancing flavor notes in soups, broths, and prepared meals
- Snack foods and condiments

As with most synthetic flavoring compounds, it is used in very small concentrations—typically measured in parts per million (ppm)—where its potent flavor profile allows minimal quantities to achieve desired sensory effects.

## Safety Assessment

Hexyl 3-mercaptobutanoate has not been formally designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA. However, the absence of GRAS status does not indicate a safety concern; rather, it reflects that this compound may not have undergone formal GRAS notification or that the notification process was not pursued by manufacturers or flavor suppliers.

The safety profile is supported by the following observations:

- **Zero adverse events reported**: The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) contains no documented adverse events associated with this additive.
- **No recalls**: No food recalls associated with hexyl 3-mercaptobutanoate have been recorded in FDA databases.
- **Structural similarity**: The compound belongs to a broader class of organosulfur flavor compounds, many of which have established safety histories in food applications.
- **Limited exposure**: Use as a flavoring agent means human dietary exposure is minimal due to the small quantities required for flavor impact.

The lack of reported adverse events or recalls over the compound's use history suggests it has not raised safety concerns in practical applications. However, comprehensive toxicological studies specific to this exact compound are not publicly documented, which is typical for many minor flavoring ingredients.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States:
- Not listed as GRAS, meaning it may be subject to pre-market approval requirements or may be used under FDA's flavor ingredient regulations if appropriate safety data supports its use.
- No FDA ban or restriction exists.
- May be used as a flavor ingredient under 21 CFR Part 182 or similar regulations if properly documented.

In the European Union:
- Flavoring compounds are regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
- Specific approval status would depend on EFSA assessment and EU flavor ingredient registers.

The regulatory approach reflects the general principle that flavoring ingredients are considered safe when used at levels necessary to achieve intended flavor effects, provided they meet established purity and composition standards.

## Key Studies

Publicly available toxicological or safety studies specifically designed for hexyl 3-mercaptobutanoate are not readily documented in open literature. Safety evaluation for such compounds typically occurs through:

- Structural activity relationship (SAR) assessments comparing the compound to similar, better-studied flavoring ingredients
- Proprietary safety dossiers maintained by flavor suppliers and submitted to regulatory bodies
- General toxicology principles applied to organosulfur compounds with established safety profiles

The lack of published peer-reviewed studies is not unusual for specialized industrial flavoring chemicals, which are often evaluated through industry-standard toxicological protocols rather than published academic research.

## 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. "Hexyl 3-mercaptobutanoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/hexyl-3-mercaptobutanoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.