# Trans-2-tridecenol

> Source URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/trans-2-tridecenol
> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/trans-2-tridecenol.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 74962-98-4
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-04

## Summary

Trans-2-tridecenol is a synthetic flavoring agent derived from or chemically similar to natural compounds found in various plants and foods. It is used in food manufacturing to provide or enhance specific flavor profiles, particularly in processed food and beverage applications.

## 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 Trans-2-tridecenol?

Trans-2-tridecenol (CAS Number: 74962-98-4) is an organic compound classified as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant. It is a 13-carbon unsaturated alcohol with a double bond in the trans configuration at the second carbon position. This compound belongs to the broader category of synthetic flavor compounds used in the food industry to create or enhance specific taste and aroma profiles in food and beverage products.

The compound exists as either a naturally occurring substance in minute quantities in certain plants or as a synthetically manufactured chemical designed to replicate or approximate natural flavors. Like many synthetic flavoring agents, it is odorless or nearly odorless in its pure form but contributes to the overall sensory experience of finished food products when used in appropriate concentrations.

## Common Uses

Trans-2-tridecenol is used primarily in the food manufacturing industry as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant. Its specific applications may include:

- Beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Confectionery and candy products
- Dairy products and flavored milk beverages
- Baked goods and grain-based products
- Processed snacks and convenience foods
- Condiments and sauces

The compound is typically used in very small quantities, as is standard practice with synthetic flavoring agents. Manufacturers use flavoring agents to achieve consistent flavor profiles, mask undesirable tastes, or enhance naturally present flavors in processed foods. The specific concentration and application would depend on regulatory approval status in individual jurisdictions and the desired sensory outcome.

## Safety Assessment

Based on available data from the FDA, there are currently zero reported adverse events associated with trans-2-tridecenol and zero product recalls linked to this ingredient. This absence of reported safety incidents suggests that the compound, when used as intended in food applications, has not raised documented safety concerns in the United States marketplace.

However, it is important to note that trans-2-tridecenol has not received FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation. GRAS status requires either extensive history of safe use in food or completion of comprehensive toxicological studies demonstrating safety at intended use levels. The absence of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it indicates that formal safety documentation meeting FDA's rigorous standards has not been submitted or approved.

The lack of adverse events and recalls, combined with the absence of published safety concerns in scientific literature, suggests the compound has a reasonable safety profile when used appropriately in food applications. However, comprehensive toxicological data specific to this compound may be limited in publicly available sources.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, trans-2-tridecenol does not carry FDA GRAS status, meaning it cannot be used as a flavoring agent in foods without specific approval or under an established regulatory framework. Some synthetic flavor compounds operate under FDA's Color Additives or Food Additives regulations without GRAS designation.

Regulatory status varies internationally. The European Union's approach to flavoring substances is codified under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. Other countries including Canada, Japan, and Australia maintain separate flavor ingredient approval processes with their own safety assessment requirements.

Manufacturers seeking to use trans-2-tridecenol in food products in jurisdictions where it lacks specific approval would need to work through appropriate regulatory channels to establish its safety profile and gain authorization.

## Key Studies

Public information on specific toxicological studies of trans-2-tridecenol is limited. The compound does not appear to be the subject of extensive published safety research in peer-reviewed food safety or toxicology journals, which is not unusual for specialized synthetic flavoring agents with narrow applications and use at very low concentrations.

Toxicological assessments of similar linear unsaturated alcohols and flavoring compounds suggest that this class of chemicals is generally metabolized efficiently and does not bioaccumulate. However, specific kinetic and metabolic data for trans-2-tridecenol would be necessary to make definitive safety determinations.

Further research or submission of safety documentation to regulatory agencies may be warranted if expanded food applications are being considered.

## 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. "Trans-2-tridecenol — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/trans-2-tridecenol. Accessed 2026-05-20.