Methyl 3-nonenoate

Methyl 3-nonenoate (CAS Number 13481-87-3) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of methyl esters. It is a volatile liquid with fruity and slightly floral aromatic characteristics. The compound features a nine-carbon chain with a double bond at the third position, which contributes to its distinctive sensory properties. As a synthetic flavoring agent, it is manufactured through chemical synthesis rather than derived from natural sources.

Methyl 3-nonenoate is utilized in the flavor industry primarily as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in various food and beverage applications. Its fruity and floral profile makes it valuable in formulating flavors for dairy products, beverages, baked goods, confectionery, and other processed foods. The compound is typically used in very small quantities—measured in parts per million—to achieve desired sensory characteristics without overwhelming other flavor components. Like many synthetic flavoring agents, it serves to enhance, modify, or create specific taste experiences in consumer products.

According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with methyl 3-nonenoate. Additionally, there have been no FDA recalls linked to this compound, suggesting no significant safety incidents in commercial use. The lack of adverse event reports and recalls indicates the substance has not raised acute safety concerns in the food supply when used as intended.

However, the absence of adverse events and recalls does not constitute formal safety approval. The compound's toxicological profile has not undergone the comprehensive review required for GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status with the FDA. GRAS status typically requires either a history of safe use before 1958 or substantial scientific evidence demonstrating safety through animal studies and other toxicological data. Methyl 3-nonenoate has not met these criteria for FDA GRAS approval.

As a synthetic flavoring agent, methyl 3-nonenoate would generally be used in quantities consistent with flavor industry standards—typically below 50 ppm in most food applications. These low-use levels are standard across the flavor industry and are designed to minimize exposure while achieving functional flavor objectives.

In the United States, methyl 3-nonenoate does not hold FDA GRAS status. This means it cannot be added to food products without prior FDA approval through the food additive petition process. In the European Union, the compound may be evaluated under EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) regulations for flavoring substances, though its approval status may differ from U.S. regulations. Regulatory approvals for flavoring agents can vary significantly by country and region based on differing safety evaluation standards and historical use patterns.

Manufacturers and flavor companies seeking to use methyl 3-nonenoate in food products in the United States would need to either petition the FDA for approval as a food additive or comply with any existing regulations that may apply in their specific jurisdiction. International trade of flavored products containing this compound may be subject to varying regulatory requirements depending on destination markets.

Published scientific literature on methyl 3-nonenoate appears limited in public databases. The compound is not extensively studied in published toxicological literature available through standard scientific databases. Most information about synthetic flavor compounds derives from proprietary industry data, flavor safety evaluations conducted by flavor manufacturers and trade organizations, and regulatory submissions. The lack of prominent published studies reflects the nature of flavor industry research, which is often confidential or conducted by manufacturers for internal regulatory compliance purposes.