What is (Z)-3-hexenyl Anthranilate?
(Z)-3-hexenyl anthranilate, identified by CAS number 65405-76-7, is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of flavor and fragrance ingredients. It is an ester formed from 3-hexen-1-ol and anthranilic acid (2-aminobenzoic acid). The compound is colorless to pale yellow and is used primarily in the flavor industry to create fruity, herbal, and green aromatic profiles in food and beverage applications.
Common Uses
This synthetic flavoring agent is employed in the food industry to enhance or create specific sensory characteristics in various products. Common applications include beverages such as flavored waters, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, as well as confectionery, dairy products, and processed foods. The compound's fruity and green notes make it valuable for formulating products that aim to evoke natural fruit or botanical flavors. Due to its synthetic origin, it allows manufacturers to achieve consistent flavor profiles across batches without relying on natural fruit extraction.
Safety Assessment
No adverse events have been reported to the FDA regarding (Z)-3-hexenyl anthranilate, and there are no associated FDA recalls. The absence of reported safety incidents is a positive indicator, though it should be noted that lack of reported events does not definitively establish safety—it may also reflect limited use or reporting. The compound has not been formally evaluated through the FDA's GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) petition process, meaning it does not carry the regulatory designation that would permit unrestricted use as a food ingredient in the United States without further approval.
When evaluating synthetic flavor compounds, safety assessment typically considers factors such as acute toxicity, chronic toxicity potential, genotoxicity, and metabolic fate. Synthetic flavoring compounds in this chemical class are generally considered low-risk based on structural relationships to known safe compounds and typical use levels in food (typically parts per million).
Regulatory Status
(Z)-3-hexenyl anthranilate is not listed on the FDA's GRAS list for flavoring substances. In the United States, this means the ingredient cannot be added to food products under the GRAS exemption. Any use would require either a Food Additive Petition approval or operation under the color additive or other regulatory frameworks, depending on its application and intended use level.
In the European Union, some synthetic flavor compounds undergo evaluation by the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), though specific data on this particular compound's EU regulatory status would require consultation of the European Flavouring Regulation (EC 1334/2008) and its associated registers.
The lack of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that the ingredient has not undergone the formal FDA petition and review process required for that designation.
Key Studies
Limited published scientific literature appears to be available specifically addressing (Z)-3-hexenyl anthranilate in isolation. Most safety data on synthetic flavor compounds comes from structural analogs and general toxicological principles applied to this chemical class. Flavor compounds are typically evaluated based on their chemical structure, metabolic pathways, and similarity to known safe compounds (the Threshold of Toxicological Concern, or TTC, approach).
Research on anthranilate esters and hexenyl alcohol derivatives collectively suggests these compound classes are metabolized through standard Phase I and Phase II pathways in the body. However, definitive toxicological studies specific to this compound would be necessary to establish a comprehensive safety profile.
Manufacturers seeking to market products containing this ingredient in regulated markets should consult with regulatory affairs specialists to determine appropriate pathways for approval or exemption.