# Pent-2-enyl Hexanoate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 74298-89-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Pent-2-enyl hexanoate (CAS 74298-89-8) is a synthetic flavoring compound used in the food and beverage industry to provide fruity, apple-like sensory characteristics. It functions as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in processed foods and beverages.

## 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 Pent-2-enyl Hexanoate?

Pent-2-enyl hexanoate is a synthetic ester compound classified as a flavoring agent. Esters are organic compounds formed from the reaction of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, and many are responsible for the characteristic aromas and flavors found in fruits and other foods. This particular compound consists of a pent-2-enyl alcohol moiety combined with hexanoic acid (also known as caproic acid), creating a volatile molecule that contributes fruity, apple-like flavor notes to food and beverage applications.

The compound is identified by CAS Number 74298-89-8 and is used exclusively as a flavoring agent or flavor adjuvant in the food industry. Like other synthetic flavor compounds, it is designed to mimic or enhance natural flavor profiles in processed foods.

## Common Uses

Pent-2-enyl hexanoate is utilized in the food and beverage industry as a minor ingredient to enhance or create fruity flavor profiles. It is typically used in very small quantities to achieve the desired sensory effect. Common applications may include:

- Flavored beverages and soft drinks
- Dairy products such as flavored yogurts and milk drinks
- Confectionery and candy
- Baked goods and snack foods
- Desserts and pudding products
- Ice cream and frozen desserts

Due to its function as a flavoring agent, the quantity used in any single food product is typically measured in parts per million (ppm), making it a trace ingredient in the overall food composition.

## Safety Assessment

According to available data from the FDA, there have been no reported adverse events associated with pent-2-enyl hexanoate, nor have there been any recalls involving this ingredient. This absence of reported safety issues is notable and suggests that the compound has not raised red flags in post-market surveillance data.

It is important to note that pent-2-enyl hexanoate does not currently hold GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status from the FDA. GRAS status indicates that a substance is widely recognized as safe for use based on either historical use or scientific evidence. The lack of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects the regulatory classification of the additive. Many flavoring agents operate under the FDA's flavor and extract regulations without requiring full GRAS determination, as they fall within established regulatory frameworks for flavoring substances.

The absence of GRAS status means that companies using this ingredient must ensure compliance with applicable regulations regarding food additives in their jurisdiction. Food manufacturers typically rely on existing regulatory frameworks and safety data in the scientific literature when determining whether to use such substances.

## Regulatory Status

Pent-2-enyl hexanoate's regulatory status varies by jurisdiction. While it appears in the FDA's flavor ingredient database, it does not hold explicit GRAS status. In the European Union, flavoring substances are regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, though the approval status of individual flavor compounds varies.

Manufacturers using this ingredient must comply with local food additive regulations and may need to provide safety documentation to regulatory authorities upon request. The compound's use is typically permitted in countries with established food safety frameworks, but specific applications may be restricted or require prior approval.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on pent-2-enyl hexanoate is limited, which is typical for minor synthetic flavoring agents. The compound represents one of thousands of flavor chemicals used in the food industry. Most safety evaluations of such compounds rely on:

- Chemical structure analysis and comparison to known safe analogs
- In vitro toxicology data
- Intake exposure estimates based on typical use levels
- Post-market surveillance data

The absence of reported adverse events and recalls in FDA databases suggests that any safety concerns, if they exist, are not manifesting in the general population at current usage levels. However, comprehensive toxicological studies specific to this compound may not be publicly available, which is common for minor flavor ingredients used at trace levels.

## 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. "Pent-2-enyl Hexanoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/pent-2-enyl-hexanoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.