# Methyl 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoate

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-3-7-dimethyl-6-octenoate.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 2270-60-2
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Methyl 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoate is a naturally-derived organic compound used as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in food products. It contributes fruity and floral notes to beverages, confections, and other 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 Methyl 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoate?

Methyl 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoate (CAS Number: 2270-60-2) is an ester compound belonging to the class of organic flavor compounds. It is structurally related to naturally occurring terpene derivatives found in citrus fruits and other plants. The compound features a characteristic molecular structure with branched alkyl chains and an unsaturated bond, contributing to its sensory properties in food applications.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is employed in the food and beverage industry to enhance and modify flavor profiles in various products. Common applications include:

- Fruit-flavored beverages and soft drinks
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and desserts
- Flavored dairy products
- Savory snack seasonings

The compound typically functions at very low concentrations, measured in parts per million (ppm), which is standard for flavor compounds. Its fruity and slightly floral sensory characteristics make it particularly useful in formulations targeting tropical or citrus flavor profiles.

## Safety Assessment

The safety profile of methyl 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoate reflects limited but notable data points:

**FDA Adverse Events:** The FDA's adverse event reporting system contains zero reported adverse events associated with this additive as of available records.

**FDA Recalls:** No product recalls have been attributed to this compound.

**GRAS Status:** This additive has not been granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the FDA, meaning it has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or approval as a food additive for unlimited use in the United States.

The absence of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate concern; rather, it reflects that the substance may be used under specific regulatory frameworks or that formal safety assessments have not been completed. Many flavor compounds operate in regulatory gray areas or under specific use authorizations.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory classification of methyl 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoate varies by jurisdiction:

**United States:** Without GRAS status, use would typically fall under FDA regulations for flavor additives or require specific approval pathways depending on intended application and concentration levels.

**European Union:** The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) maintains lists of approved flavor substances. The approval status of this specific compound should be verified against current EU flavor regulations.

**International Standards:** Various countries maintain their own approved lists of flavoring agents, and approval status differs globally. Manufacturers using this ingredient must ensure compliance with regulations in target markets.

Food manufacturers intending to use this compound should verify current regulatory status with appropriate authorities in their jurisdictions, as flavor regulations continue to evolve.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on methyl 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoate remains limited in the public domain. Most information derives from:

- Chemical and sensory characterization studies in flavor research
- Structure-activity relationship investigations in flavor chemistry
- Cosmetic and fragrance industry research, where structurally similar compounds have been evaluated

Toxicological data specific to this compound appears sparse in peer-reviewed literature. Safety assessments typically rely on structural analogs and general principles of ester metabolism. Further research would be beneficial to establish a more comprehensive safety profile.

The compound's chemical similarity to naturally occurring plant terpenes suggests potential metabolic pathways and safety margin estimations, though direct evidence would strengthen safety conclusions.

## 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. "Methyl 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-3-7-dimethyl-6-octenoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.