# Isopropyl Tiglate

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/isopropyl-tiglate
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/isopropyl-tiglate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 1733-25-1
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Isopropyl tiglate (CAS 1733-25-1) is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity and creamy taste notes in food and beverage products. It functions as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in the food industry, though it is not approved as a GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) substance by the FDA.

## 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 Isopropyl Tiglate?

Isopropyl tiglate is a synthetic organic ester belonging to the family of fatty acid esters used in the flavor industry. Chemically, it is the isopropyl ester of tiglic acid (also known as methylcrotonic acid), a naturally occurring branched unsaturated carboxylic acid. With CAS number 1733-25-1, this compound is manufactured through esterification processes and is used to create specific aromatic profiles in consumer food products.

## Common Uses

Isopropyl tiglate is employed as a flavoring agent in various food and beverage applications. Its primary function is to contribute fruity, creamy, and slightly buttery taste characteristics to products. Common applications include:

- Confectionery and candy formulations
- Dairy products and flavored milk beverages
- Baked goods and pastry fillings
- Fruit-flavored beverages and cordials
- Flavoring compounds for seasoning blends

The compound is typically used in very small quantities, as is standard practice with synthetic flavoring agents. Manufacturers use precise dosing to achieve desired flavor profiles while maintaining product safety and compliance with applicable regulations.

## Safety Assessment

Isopropyl tiglate has not been formally evaluated or approved under the FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) program, meaning it does not have blanket FDA authorization for use in food. However, this designation does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it means formal GRAS status has not been pursued or granted through the standard FDA review process.

According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with isopropyl tiglate consumption, and zero product recalls have been initiated due to this additive. This absence of adverse event reports or recalls suggests no serious safety concerns have emerged from its use in food products at typical levels.

The compound's safety profile in toxicological literature remains limited, as comprehensive safety studies specific to isopropyl tiglate have not been extensively published in peer-reviewed scientific journals accessible to the general public. Most food-grade ester flavoring agents of similar chemical structure have demonstrated low acute toxicity in standard laboratory testing.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, isopropyl tiglate is not GRAS-approved by the FDA. This means manufacturers cannot automatically use it without prior FDA approval, classification as a GRAS substance through the GRAS notification process, or compliance with other applicable food regulations. Some manufacturers or flavor companies may have submitted GRAS notices to the FDA, but public records would reflect this status.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has not issued a dedicated scientific opinion on isopropyl tiglate specifically. Regulations in the European Union regarding flavor compounds are established through Regulation (EC) No. 1334/2008, which provides a positive list of approved flavoring substances. The status of isopropyl tiglate in EU food applications would depend on inclusion in the EU's Registry of Flavoring Substances.

Other regulatory jurisdictions, including Canada, Japan, and Australia, may have different approval statuses for this additive. Manufacturers exporting flavored products must verify compliance with regulations in each target market.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically evaluating isopropyl tiglate is limited. Most information regarding this additive comes from:

- FDA color additive and food additive petition records (where applicable)
- Industry safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS)
- General toxicology profiles for similar ester-based flavoring compounds
- International flavor industry databases and reference materials

The lack of extensive published studies does not necessarily indicate safety concerns but reflects that some synthetic flavoring agents have been developed and used with minimal public-domain research documentation. Manufacturers utilizing this ingredient typically rely on proprietary safety assessments and compliance with food additive regulations in their operating jurisdictions.

## 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. "Isopropyl Tiglate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/isopropyl-tiglate. Accessed 2026-05-19.