3-DECEN-2-ONE

CAS: 10519-33-2 FLAVORING AGENT OR ADJUVANT

3-DECEN-2-ONE (CAS 10519-33-2) is an aliphatic alpha-beta unsaturated ketone used as a synthetic flavoring agent with a fatty, green, and slightly fruity sensory profile and a FEMA GRAS designation 3532 in flavor applications with regulatory listing under 21 CFR 172.515.

What It Is

3-DECEN-2-ONE is a synthetic and naturally occurring alpha-beta unsaturated ketone characterized by a ten-carbon chain and a carbonyl functional group conjugated to a carbon-carbon double bond. It is recognized in flavor chemistry for its complex organoleptic properties, where it contributes fatty, green, and fruity nuances to flavor formulations. The compound is indexed under CAS number 10519-33-2 and has received a FEMA GRAS reference number 3532 for use as a flavoring substance. Its chemical identity and sensory role have been documented in flavor ingredient libraries and technical references. This structural class of ketones often appears in flavor and fragrance compositions due to both its sensory contributions and compatibility with other flavor ingredients in diverse formulations. The presence of an unsaturated ketone structure distinguishes its sensory characteristics from simpler saturated ketones and other volatile organic compounds used in flavoring. The safety evaluation of this substance for use in foods has been conducted by expert panels and regulatory listings, leading to its inclusion in permitted lists under specified regulatory frameworks.

How It Is Made

The preparation of 3-DECEN-2-ONE typically involves classical organic synthesis routes appropriate for alpha-beta unsaturated ketones. One common pathway is the aldol condensation between a suitable aldehyde (such as heptaldehyde) and acetone, followed by a controlled dehydration step to yield the conjugated enone structure; this route takes advantage of well‑understood carbon‑carbon bond forming reactions in organic chemistry. Alternative synthetic strategies include catalytic oxidation of precursor alcohols or dehydration of intermediate hydroxyketones under carefully controlled conditions to promote formation of the unsaturated carbonyl system. In industrial contexts, the technical production of this compound is performed using standardized processes that yield high‑purity materials suitable for flavor and fragrance applications, with control of stereochemistry in the final product. The manufacturing processes emphasize compliance with good manufacturing practice (GMP) and adherence to purity specifications relevant for flavor use, including removal of potential impurities that could impact sensory quality or regulatory compliance.

Why It Is Used In Food

3-DECEN-2-ONE is used in food primarily as a flavoring ingredient where its distinct aromatic notes contribute complexity and depth to flavor profiles. The compound’s sensory characteristics include fatty, green, and slightly fruity notes that can enhance savory applications and provide nuanced effects in fruit, dairy, and meat flavors. In flavor formulation, such ketones are selected because they can amplify or balance other flavor components, helping formulators achieve desired sensory outcomes in finished products. Additionally, compounds like 3-DECEN-2-ONE are utilized at low levels consistent with regulatory guidelines and good manufacturing practice to ensure that they contribute positive sensory attributes without overwhelming the product profile. The use of this compound allows flavorists to create more natural and layered flavor impressions, as its sensory profile can mimic or augment notes found in various natural food matrices.

Adi Example Calculation

While 3-DECEN-2-ONE does not have a formally declared numeric ADI from major regulatory bodies, illustrative calculations for flavoring agents can demonstrate how exposure might be conceptualized under hypothetical scenarios. For example, if a consumer were exposed to a flavor component at a concentration typical of flavor use (for instance, parts per million levels in a flavored beverage), the total intake for a person consuming a liter of that beverage would translate to a microgram‑level exposure. These exposures remain orders of magnitude below levels associated with adverse effects in toxicological evaluations for similar classes of compounds. The example serves to illustrate that, in flavor applications, the actual amounts of ingredient ingested are very small compared to levels at which safety concerns might arise, and expert evaluations support such low‑level use.

Safety And Health Research

Safety evaluations of 3-DECEN-2-ONE as a flavoring ingredient have been conducted by expert panels recognizing its use at the low levels typical of flavor applications. Assessments by FEMA’s expert panel support its designation as GRAS for intended use conditions, reflecting consideration of toxicological and exposure data relevant to flavor usage. In regulatory texts, synthetic flavoring substances like this compound are permitted for use under principles of good manufacturing practice, which inherently includes evaluation of safety endpoints such as absence of genotoxicity at levels of use, metabolic handling of the compound in the body, and lack of adverse effects at typical dietary exposures. While comprehensive public toxicological dossiers are less accessible for some flavor chemicals compared to high‑volume food additives, the inclusion of 3-DECEN-2-ONE in established regulatory lists and flavor ingredient libraries signifies a consensus on its safety for flavor applications when used appropriately. Continued research and monitoring support ongoing confidence in the compound’s safety profile in the context of low‑level food use.

Regulatory Status Worldwide

In the United States, 3-DECEN-2-ONE is listed under Title 21 Code of Federal Regulations Section 172.515 as part of the permitted list of synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that may be safely used in food when employed in accordance with good manufacturing practice. The regulation at 21 CFR 172.515 outlines conditions for the use of synthetic flavoring agents and supports their safe inclusion in food products under specified conditions. Additionally, 3-DECEN-2-ONE has been assigned a FEMA GRAS reference number (3532) by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association, indicating that expert panels have evaluated its safety for use as a flavoring substance under intended use conditions. In other jurisdictions, classification and listing in flavor ingredient libraries provide context for international regulatory acceptance, though specific numerical use limits or approvals may vary by region and require consultation of local regulatory frameworks. The regulatory landscape emphasizes adherence to good manufacturing practice and the responsible use of flavoring agents to ensure consumer safety.

Taste And Functional Properties

In sensory terms, 3-DECEN-2-ONE is characterized by a multifaceted aroma and taste profile, described as fatty, green, slightly fruity, and sometimes reminiscent of jasmine or earthier notes when present at certain concentrations. These qualities make it valuable for formulating flavors that require a balance of subtle yet impactful sensory signals. For functional performance, its solubility properties favor incorporation into alcohol‑based flavor blends, which are common in beverage and savory applications, while its limited water solubility means it may require carriers or solvents to integrate effectively into aqueous systems. The molecular structure provides volatility that allows the compound to be perceived at relatively low concentrations, contributing to the top and middle sensory notes in complex flavor matrices. The compound’s stability under normal processing conditions supports its use in a range of applications, with careful control of concentration ensuring consistent sensory contributions across formulations.

Acceptable Daily Intake Explained

An Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) represents an estimate of the amount of a substance that can be ingested daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk, based on available toxicological data and safety factors. For many flavoring ingredients, including 3-DECEN-2-ONE, specific numeric ADI values may not be explicitly established by authoritative bodies because the levels used in food are sufficiently low and safety evaluations support their use without quantitative intake limits. Instead, regulatory frameworks often rely on principles of good manufacturing practice, where the compound is used at the minimum level required to achieve the intended sensory effect. In such cases, the GRAS designation by expert panels provides assurance that typical exposures under normal use are not expected to pose safety concerns, and specific ADI calculations are not formally declared. This approach reflects a regulatory focus on sound science and exposure‑aware risk assessment in the context of flavor use.

Comparison With Similar Additives

When compared with other flavoring ketones used in food, 3-DECEN-2-ONE shares similarities with compounds such as 2‑decenone and other aliphatic ketones that provide fatty or fruity sensory notes. Each of these flavoring agents contributes distinct olfactory characteristics, with 3-DECEN-2-ONE often providing a balance of green and slightly fruity nuances, while others may lean more strongly toward creamy or citrus‑like profiles. In formulation practice, flavorists choose among related ketones based on the target flavor profile, stability considerations, and how each compound interacts with other flavor ingredients. Similar additives may be permitted under comparable regulatory frameworks and are used at low concentrations in line with good manufacturing practice, allowing formulators to tailor sensory outcomes across diverse food and beverage products.

Common Food Applications Narrative

3-DECEN-2-ONE finds its way into a variety of flavoring applications in foods and beverages, where it serves to enhance sensory characteristics that consumers associate with quality and complexity. In savory products, such as sauces, soups, and meat seasonings, its fatty and green notes help round out flavor profiles and contribute to richness. In fruit and citrus flavors, the compound’s slightly fruity nuances can bring depth and a more lifelike impression of natural fruit aromas. Dairy‑based products, including flavored milks, creams, and ice creams, may also benefit from the inclusion of this ingredient to enhance buttery or creamy sensory notes. Beverage applications, both alcoholic and non‑alcoholic, may incorporate 3-DECEN-2-ONE in trace amounts to support overall aromatic balance, particularly in complex flavor systems where its subtle character can complement other aromatic compounds. Across these product types, the compound is used judiciously in accordance with regulatory guidance and good manufacturing practice, ensuring that it contributes desired sensory qualities without dominating the overall flavor profile.

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Safety & Regulations

FDA

  • Approved: True
  • Regulation: 21 CFR 172.515

EFSA

  • Notes: Specific EFSA numeric ADI not found in sources

JECFA

  • Notes: JECFA numeric ADI not verified from available sources

Sources

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