What is Methyl 10-undecenoate?
Methyl 10-undecenoate (CAS Number: 111-81-9) is an aliphatic ester belonging to the family of organic compounds used in food flavoring. The molecule consists of a methyl ester derived from 10-undecenoic acid, a naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acid. This compound is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with characteristic fruity and fatty aromatic properties.
The chemical structure of methyl 10-undecenoate features a terminal double bond (alkene) at the 10th carbon position, which contributes to its sensory profile and chemical reactivity. This structural feature distinguishes it from saturated methyl esters used in food applications.
Common Uses
Methyl 10-undecenoate is employed as a flavoring agent in the food industry, where it contributes fruity, waxy, and fatty flavor notes. It is typically used in small concentrations in products such as:
- Confectionery and candy
- Baked goods
- Beverages
- Dairy products
- Processed foods requiring flavor enhancement
The compound functions as a flavoring adjuvant, meaning it may be combined with other flavor compounds to achieve desired sensory profiles. Industrial applications leverage its stability and compatibility with other food ingredients.
Safety Assessment
Methyl 10-undecenoate has not received GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, the absence of FDA GRAS designation does not indicate the compound is unsafe; rather, it indicates that formal GRAS affirmation through the FDA petition process has not been pursued or completed.
According to FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events associated with methyl 10-undecenoate and zero product recalls involving this additive. This absence of documented safety incidents suggests a favorable safety history in food applications where it has been used.
The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains evaluations of flavoring compounds under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. Related methyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids have undergone safety assessments, though specific EFSA conclusions for this particular compound vary based on available toxicological data and usage levels.
Toxicological data on methyl 10-undecenoate is limited in the public domain. As with many flavor compounds used at low concentrations, the primary safety consideration centers on typical dietary exposure levels and the established toxicological profile of structurally similar compounds.
Regulatory Status
In the United States, methyl 10-undecenoate may be used in food applications under FDA regulations for flavoring agents, though it does not hold formal GRAS status. Food manufacturers utilizing this compound must ensure compliance with 21 CFR Part 182 and other applicable regulations.
The regulatory landscape for methyl 10-undecenoate varies internationally. The European Union, Canada, Japan, and other regulatory jurisdictions maintain different approval frameworks for flavoring compounds. Manufacturers exporting products containing this additive must verify compliance with destination country regulations.
Since methyl 10-undecenoate has not been formally banned in any major regulatory jurisdiction, it remains available for use where food additive regulations permit flavor compounds.
Key Studies
Limited peer-reviewed scientific literature specifically addresses methyl 10-undecenoate as an isolated compound. Most available data comes from industrial safety documentation and manufacturer safety assessments rather than independent academic studies.
Research on structurally related methyl esters of unsaturated fatty acids suggests these compounds are generally metabolized through standard fatty acid oxidation pathways. The unsaturated nature of the carbon chain may influence bioavailability and metabolic fate compared to saturated analogs.
Wider studies on flavor compound safety indicate that esters used at typical food flavoring concentrations (generally parts per million ranges) present minimal systemic toxicological concern. However, direct human studies on methyl 10-undecenoate specifically have not been published in accessible scientific literature.