What is Trans-2-trans-4-heptadien-1-ol?
Trans-2-trans-4-heptadien-1-ol (CAS Number: 33467-79-7) is an unsaturated alcohol with a seven-carbon chain structure. It belongs to the class of organic compounds known as dienols and is used in the food industry primarily as a flavoring agent. The compound features two double bonds in the trans configuration, which contributes to its distinctive sensory profile. This additive is naturally occurring in some foods and can also be synthesized chemically for commercial use.
Common Uses
Trans-2-trans-4-heptadien-1-ol is employed as a flavoring agent in various food and beverage applications. Typical uses include:
- Beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and grain-based foods
- Dairy products and frozen desserts
- Savory snacks and seasonings
The compound contributes fruity, floral, green, and slightly herbaceous notes to formulations. It typically appears in products at very low concentrations (parts per million range) to achieve desired flavor profiles without overwhelming other taste components.
Safety Assessment
The safety profile of trans-2-trans-4-heptadien-1-ol is characterized by limited but available data. According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse event reports associated with this additive and zero product recalls linked to its use. This absence of reported adverse events suggests a good safety track record in commercial food applications.
The compound has been evaluated by flavor and fragrance regulatory bodies as part of broader assessments of similar structures. As an unsaturated alcohol, it undergoes typical metabolic pathways in the human body. The typical use levels in food products are extremely low, which further supports safety margins.
Dermatological and toxicological studies on similar compounds in this class have generally shown low acute toxicity. The compound's volatile nature and low levels of use in food products contribute to a favorable safety assessment.
Regulatory Status
Trans-2-trans-4-heptadien-1-ol does not have FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status. This designation indicates that while the additive may be used in food, it has not completed the formal GRAS notification process with the FDA. Companies using this ingredient typically operate under the FDA's flavor standards for substances used at very low levels in food applications.
The additive is permitted in food use in various jurisdictions, though regulatory approaches differ by country and region. Some regulatory bodies classify it under their lists of acceptable flavorings when used at appropriate levels. The lack of GRAS status does not indicate unsafety; rather, it reflects the specific regulatory pathway and evaluation status of this particular ingredient.
Key Studies
Limited published peer-reviewed literature exists specifically focused on trans-2-trans-4-heptadien-1-ol as an isolated substance. Most safety information derives from:
- Flavor and fragrance industry safety assessments conducted by organizations such as the International Fragrance Association (IFRA)
- General toxicological data on structurally similar unsaturated alcohols
- FDA database reviews and voluntary industry submissions
- Historical use data in food and beverage formulations
The compound's chemical structure and metabolism are comparable to other naturally-occurring plant constituents, which supports its use in food flavoring applications. The absence of reported adverse events across decades of food industry use provides empirical evidence supporting its safety at typical dietary exposure levels.