# (z)-3-hexenyl(e)-2-methyl-2-butenoate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 67883-79-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

(Z)-3-hexenyl(E)-2-methyl-2-butenoate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity, green, and herbaceous notes to food products. It belongs to the class of ester-based flavorings and is utilized in small quantities in various processed foods and beverages.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is (Z)-3-hexenyl(E)-2-methyl-2-butenoate?

(Z)-3-hexenyl(E)-2-methyl-2-butenoate (CAS Number: 67883-79-8) is a synthetic flavoring agent belonging to the ester class of flavor compounds. This chemical is characterized by its molecular structure, which combines a hexenyl alcohol moiety with a methyl-butenoate acid component. The compound's specific geometric configuration—indicated by the (Z) and (E) designations—contributes to its distinct sensory properties and flavor profile.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is employed in the food industry to enhance or create fruity, green leaf, and fresh herbaceous flavor notes. It is typically used in processed foods including beverages, confectionery, baked goods, dairy products, and savory snacks. Like other synthetic flavorings, it is used in very small concentrations—typically in the parts per million (ppm) range—to achieve the desired flavor effect without significantly altering the nutritional composition of the final product.

## Safety Assessment

The available safety data for (Z)-3-hexenyl(E)-2-methyl-2-butenoate indicates no reported adverse events associated with its consumption according to FDA records. The compound has not been linked to any product recalls, suggesting a benign safety profile in its current applications at typical use levels. However, it is important to note that this additive has not received formal FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, meaning it has not undergone the specific GRAS notification process or affirmative safety determination through an FDA-led review.

The absence of adverse event reports does not automatically indicate comprehensive toxicological evaluation. Safety assessment of flavoring compounds typically involves considerations of absorption, metabolism, and potential accumulation in body tissues. Ester-based flavorings are generally metabolized through standard hepatic esterase pathways and are not typically bioaccumulative.

## Regulatory Status

(Z)-3-hexenyl(E)-2-methyl-2-butenoate's regulatory status varies globally. In the United States, while not GRAS-affirmed, it may be used in food products under the FDA's regulations for synthetic flavorings, which permit use of substances meeting certain criteria without explicit pre-market approval, provided they meet specifications and use limitations. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains separate evaluation criteria for flavoring compounds under EC Regulation 1334/2008. Manufacturers using this compound must comply with local regulations regarding maximum use levels and labeling requirements where applicable.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses this compound in isolation. Most safety information derives from structural similarity to related ester flavorings, which have undergone more extensive evaluation. The compound's structural class—volatile ester flavorings—has been studied collectively by flavor industry organizations and regulatory bodies. General toxicological principles for similar compounds suggest low systemic toxicity at food use levels, rapid metabolism, and minimal persistence in biological systems.

Researchers have conducted absorption and metabolism studies on analogous ester flavor compounds, demonstrating rapid hydrolysis and clearance. However, specific pharmacokinetic studies uniquely identifying this compound's metabolic fate in humans are not readily available in public literature.

Manufacturers and flavor industry associations maintain proprietary safety dossiers complying with regulatory submission requirements in jurisdictions where the compound is marketed. These documents typically contain specifications, purity data, and safety assessments based on toxicological principles and computational modeling.

## 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. "(z)-3-hexenyl(e)-2-methyl-2-butenoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/z-3-hexenyl-e-2-methyl-2-butenoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.