What is Methyl 9-undecenoate?
Methyl 9-undecenoate (CAS Number 5760-50-9) is an ester compound classified as a flavoring agent. It is an organic chemical derived from undecylenic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid. This compound is utilized in the food industry primarily for its aromatic properties, contributing fruity and floral flavor notes to finished food products.
Common Uses
Methyl 9-undecenoate is employed as a flavoring adjuvant in various food and beverage applications. The compound is typically used in small concentrations to enhance or modify flavor profiles in products such as beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and dairy products. Its fruity and floral characteristics make it valuable in formulations where natural or complex flavor notes are desired. The actual applications depend on regional regulatory approvals and manufacturer specifications.
Safety Assessment
Methyl 9-undecenoate has generated no documented adverse events reports in the FDA's adverse events database and has not been associated with any food recalls. The compound's chemical structure and properties suggest a reasonable margin of safety for use as a flavoring agent in food products. However, comprehensive toxicological data specific to this compound may be limited in publicly available literature. Like all food additives, safety assessments typically consider factors including acute and chronic toxicity, potential allergenicity, and acceptable daily intake levels.
Regulatory Status
Methyl 9-undecenoate has not received GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation from the FDA. This designation is not required for all flavoring agents used in food, as some compounds are approved through other regulatory pathways or may be considered acceptable under existing regulations for flavoring substances. The regulatory status varies by country and region. In the European Union, flavoring substances are subject to evaluation by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority). Manufacturers using this additive should verify compliance with applicable regulations in their specific markets.
Key Studies
Publicly available toxicological studies specific to methyl 9-undecenoate are limited. Regulatory approval decisions for flavoring agents typically rely on structural analogue data, metabolism studies, and existing safety information for related compounds. The absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests that, under current conditions of use, this compound has not raised safety concerns in regulatory or post-market surveillance systems. Further research or data submission may be required if manufacturers seek formal approval status in specific jurisdictions or for new applications.
Consumers seeking detailed safety information should consult the safety data sheets provided by manufacturers or contact regulatory agencies in their country for the most current information on this flavoring substance.