# Tetramethyl Ethylcyclohexenone (mixture Of Isomers)

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 977045-69-4
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Tetramethyl ethylcyclohexenone is a synthetic flavoring compound consisting of a mixture of isomers. It is used in the food industry as a flavoring agent to provide fruity, woody, or herbal notes to various food and beverage products.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | approved |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | approved |
| Japan | approved |
| South Korea | approved |
| Brazil | approved |
| China | approved |
| India | approved |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Tetramethyl Ethylcyclohexenone?

Tetramethyl ethylcyclohexenone (CAS Number: 977045-69-4) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of cyclohexenone derivatives. The additive is used commercially as a mixture of isomers, meaning it contains multiple structural variations of the same molecular composition. This compound is classified as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in food applications.

The molecular structure of tetramethyl ethylcyclohexenone contains a six-membered ring with a ketone functional group, along with methyl and ethyl substituents. The isomeric mixture provides complex aromatic characteristics that contribute to the sensory profile of flavored products.

## Common Uses

Tetramethyl ethylcyclohexenone is primarily used in the formulation of artificial flavoring compounds for processed foods and beverages. Its applications include:

- Flavoring in confectionery and candy products
- Ingredient in beverage flavorings
- Component in savory food flavorings
- Use in dairy product flavorings
- Application in baked goods and snack formulations

The compound contributes fruity, woody, or herbal notes depending on concentration and application context. It functions as part of complex flavor systems rather than as a standalone flavoring ingredient.

## Safety Assessment

Tetramethyl ethylcyclohexenone has not received GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status from the FDA, meaning it has not been formally affirmed through either FDA evaluation or expert consensus procedures. However, this designation does not indicate unsafe use; rather, it reflects the current regulatory pathway and approval status in the United States.

The FDA's adverse event reporting system contains zero reported adverse events associated with this additive. Additionally, there are no FDA-issued recalls involving tetramethyl ethylcyclohexenone. These data points suggest no documented safety concerns in the marketplace or consumer complaint database.

As a synthetic flavoring compound, this additive would typically be subject to the same safety evaluation processes as other flavor ingredients. The lack of GRAS status means any products containing this ingredient in the United States would require compliance with FDA regulations for food additives not affirmed as GRAS.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, tetramethyl ethylcyclohexenone is not listed as a GRAS flavoring ingredient. This means manufacturers using this compound must ensure compliance with applicable FDA food additive regulations and may need to provide safety data supporting its use.

The regulatory status varies internationally. Some flavoring compounds of this chemical class may be approved or permitted in other regulatory jurisdictions, including the European Union and other regions with their own flavor ingredient approval systems.

Manufacturers using this ingredient should maintain current awareness of regulatory requirements in all markets where their products are distributed, as requirements may change and vary by country.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically examining tetramethyl ethylcyclohexenone is limited in the public domain. Safety evaluations for synthetic flavoring compounds of this type typically rely on:

- Structure-activity relationship (SAR) assessments
- Acute and chronic toxicity testing protocols
- Metabolic pathway analysis
- Comparison to chemically similar approved flavoring ingredients

The absence of reported adverse events and recalls suggests that any available safety data has not identified concerns significant enough to warrant regulatory action or public health warnings. However, comprehensive toxicological studies on this specific compound may be proprietary or submitted only to regulatory agencies.

## 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. "Tetramethyl Ethylcyclohexenone (mixture Of Isomers) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/tetramethyl-ethylcyclohexenone-mixture-of-isomers. Accessed 2026-05-20.