What is (+/-)-trans- And Cis-4,8-dimethyl-3,7-nonadien-2-ol?
(+/-)-trans- And Cis-4,8-dimethyl-3,7-nonadien-2-ol is a synthetic organic compound classified as a flavoring agent. The chemical designation refers to its molecular structure containing two methyl groups, a nine-carbon chain with two double bonds (dienol), and a hydroxyl group. The compound exists as a mixture of stereoisomers, indicated by the (+/-) notation, meaning it contains both left and right-handed molecular forms. This compound is identified by CAS Number 67845-50-5 in chemical databases.
The molecule belongs to a broader category of sesquiterpene alcohols—organic compounds derived from or chemically similar to natural plant terpenes. These compounds are frequently used in the flavor and fragrance industry due to their organoleptic properties, meaning they contribute distinctive sensory characteristics to products.
Common Uses
This flavoring agent is utilized primarily in beverage formulations, including soft drinks, flavored waters, and alcoholic beverages. It may also appear in confectionery products, chewing gums, and other processed foods where fruity or floral flavor profiles are desired. The compound is typically used at very low concentrations—often measured in parts per million (ppm)—sufficient to achieve the desired flavor effect without contributing significantly to the product's nutritional profile.
As a synthetic flavoring agent, it provides manufacturers with consistency and stability advantages compared to extracting equivalent compounds from natural sources. This makes it economically practical for large-scale food production while maintaining flavor consistency across batches.
Safety Assessment
The FDA has recorded zero adverse events and zero product recalls associated with this additive as of the latest available data. No significant toxicological concerns have been documented in the scientific literature for this compound at the usage levels typical in food applications.
The additive is not listed on the FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) list, which means it has not undergone the specific GRAS notification process. However, the absence of GRAS status does not indicate unsafety; rather, it reflects that manufacturers may not have pursued formal GRAS petitions for this particular compound. Some flavoring agents operate under different regulatory pathways, including FDA approval through food additive petitions or through inclusion in established flavor ingredient lists.
Like all food additives, this compound is subject to FDA regulations limiting its use to amounts necessary to achieve the intended technical effect. The margin of safety for flavoring agents is typically substantial, as they are used in minimal quantities—often less than 1 ppm in final food products.
Regulatory Status
This compound is recognized and regulated by the FDA as a food additive. It falls under the category of synthetic flavoring substances permitted for use in food, subject to current good manufacturing practices and established limitations. Regulatory frameworks in other jurisdictions, including the European Union and other countries, may have different approval statuses and usage restrictions.
The absence of adverse events or recalls in FDA databases suggests the compound has a favorable safety history in commercial food applications. However, availability of detailed safety data and specific toxicology studies may be limited in public domains, as proprietary and confidential business information is often protected.
Key Studies
Specific peer-reviewed toxicological studies exclusively focused on this individual compound appear limited in publicly available literature. Safety assessments for minor flavoring components are sometimes conducted by manufacturers and regulatory bodies but may not be published due to confidentiality agreements.
General safety principles for synthetic flavoring agents suggest that compounds chemically similar to naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohols typically exhibit low oral toxicity. Flavoring agents in this chemical class are generally recognized to be metabolized and excreted relatively quickly by the body.