What is Trans-2-octen-1-yl Acetate?
Trans-2-octen-1-yl Acetate (CAS Number: 3913-80-2) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of acetate esters. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic fruity and slightly floral odor profile. The compound's structure consists of an eight-carbon chain with a double bond in the trans configuration at the second carbon position, acetylated at the primary alcohol group. This chemical structure contributes to its sensory properties and makes it useful in flavor applications.
Common Uses
Trans-2-octen-1-yl Acetate is utilized primarily as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry. It is employed to create or enhance fruity flavor notes, particularly reminiscent of pear, apple, and other stone fruits. The compound may be used in various product categories including:
- Beverages (soft drinks, juices, flavored waters)
- Confectionery and candy
- Baked goods
- Dairy products (yogurts, flavored milk)
- Flavor compounds and concentrates used by food manufacturers
The compound functions as a flavoring adjuvant, meaning it works in conjunction with other flavor components to create desired taste profiles. Typical use levels in food applications are measured in parts per million (ppm), reflecting the potency of the compound.
Safety Assessment
Trans-2-octen-1-yl Acetate has generated no reported adverse events in the FDA database and is associated with zero recalls. This absence of negative reports suggests a reasonable safety profile under current usage conditions, though it is important to note that absence of reported events does not constitute formal approval.
As an acetate ester of a naturally-derived-like structure, the compound belongs to a chemical class with generally established metabolic pathways in humans. Acetate esters are typically hydrolyzed by esterases in the gastrointestinal tract, breaking down into their constituent alcohol and acid components, which are further metabolized through normal biochemical routes.
The compound's safety would be dependent on:
- Purity and manufacturing controls
- Appropriate usage levels in final food products
- Absence of harmful impurities or byproducts
- Individual sensitivity considerations
Regulatory Status
Trans-2-octen-1-yl Acetate is not on the FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) list. This status means the compound has not undergone the formal GRAS notification process or been approved as GRAS by a qualified expert panel. However, non-GRAS status does not automatically indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects the regulatory pathway and approval status in the United States.
Manufacturers wishing to use this ingredient may do so under FDA's Food Additive Petition process or through other regulatory compliance pathways. In the European Union, similar compounds are evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) under the Food Additives Regulation (EC) No. 1333/2008, though this specific compound's approval status in the EU may differ from the U.S.
Key Studies
Limited publicly available peer-reviewed literature specifically addresses Trans-2-octen-1-yl Acetate in isolation. Most safety data for similar acetate esters comes from general toxicology studies on related compounds and from the chemical's structural analogs.
Safety assessments for flavor compounds typically include:
- Acute toxicity testing
- Subchronic toxicity studies
- Genotoxicity assessment
- Metabolism and kinetics studies
The lack of reported adverse events and recalls suggests that any safety testing conducted has not identified significant concerns at current use levels. However, comprehensive safety data would ideally be available through manufacturer submissions to regulatory agencies or published toxicological assessments specific to this compound.
Consumers and manufacturers should refer to current regulatory guidance and ingredient specifications from their jurisdiction for compliance information.