Flavor ingredient regulatory record
2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid
2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid is an acid in the fruity family, FEMA GRAS under FEMA number 3143 (CAS 66634-97-7). Its odor is fruity, sour, green, tangy.
- FEMA
- 3143
- CAS
- 66634-97-7
- JECFA
- 1211
- Formula
- C7H12O2
GRAS status: FEMA GRAS, publication 4. Recorded by FDA in the Substances Added to Food inventory under CAS 66634-97-7.
Structure
Identity
Also known as: 2-Pentenoic acid, 2,4-dimethyl-, 2,4-Dimethylpent-2-enoic acid, 2-Methyl-3-isopropylacrylic acid, 2,4-dimethylpent-2-enoic acid, dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid, 2,4-dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid [fhfi], (2e)-2,4-dimethylpent-2-enoic acid, 2-pentenoic acid, 2,4-dimethyl-, 2,4-dimethyl-pent-2-enoic acid.
Can 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid be labeled natural?
The process decides for 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid. It occurs in nature, so a natural-source, natural-process material is natural flavor in the US and synthetic 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid is artificial. The EU and UK follow the same logic without a middle class; Mercosur and Mexico label synthetic 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid identical-to-natural.
- United States
- Natural or artificial, by process
- European Union and UK
- Natural only from natural material
- Mercosur and Mexico
- Natural or identical-to-natural
How each market defines the classes: natural vs artificial flavor under 21 CFR 101.22.
Regulatory status, with citations
United States
2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid is FEMA GRAS under FEMA number 3143. It is cited in the Code of Federal Regulations at 21 CFR 172.515.
European Union and United Kingdom
No EU FL number is on file for 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid. That is not a finding either way. The Union List covers defined flavouring substances, so natural complex materials are handled as flavouring preparations under Parts B to F and never receive a number, and substances used as additives sit under Regulation 1333/2008 instead. Confirm the position before EU or UK use.
JECFA (WHO / FAO)
JECFA number 1211, evaluated at the 61st meeting in 2003. No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent.
Other US flags
Not on the California Proposition 65 list.
Odor and taste
Odor: Fruity, sour, green, tangy.
Taste: Sour, acidic, fruity.
Where it is used
2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid is used in beverage, sauces and confection, typically as a fruity note.
Structurally similar flavor ingredients
Flavor ingredients with a GRAS determination closest to 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid by structure. Whether one can replace it is a sensory and regulatory call; the reformulation tool works that through.
| Material | FEMA | Similarity | Occurrence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methyl-3-pentenoic acid | 3464 | 92% | In nature |
| 2-Methyl-2-pentenoic acid | 3195 | 91% | In nature |
| 2-Methylvaleric acid | 2754 | 88% | In nature |
| (E,Z)-4-Methylpent-2-enoic acid | 4180 | 88% | In nature |
| 2-Methyl-4-pentenoic acid | 3511 | 78% | In nature |
More acids in this index
4-Methylpentanoic acid · 2-Methyl-4-pentenoic acid · cis-3-Hexenoic acid · Cyclohexylacetic acid · 2-Methylheptanoic acid · 2-Oxopentanedioic acid
2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid FAQ
Is 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid on the FEMA GRAS list?
It is. FEMA number 3143 covers 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid. The Code of Federal Regulations lists it at 21 CFR 172.515.
What is the FEMA number for 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid?
The FEMA number for 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid is 3143 and its CAS registry number is 66634-97-7. Its flavor category is fruity.
What is 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid used for?
2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid is described as fruity, sour, green, tangy. On the palate it is sour, acidic, fruity. It shows up in beverage, sauces and confection.
What did JECFA conclude about 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid?
JECFA evaluated 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid at the 61st meeting in 2003 under JECFA number 1211. The panel concluded: No safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent.
Is 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid approved in the EU?
No EU FL number is on file for 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid. It has a JECFA evaluation (JECFA 1211), which the EU list draws on, but the Union List entry itself should be confirmed before EU use.
Is 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid natural or artificial?
Nature makes 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid, which is why the US label turns on process. A natural route gives natural flavor; synthesis gives artificial 2,4-Dimethyl-2-pentenoic acid, same molecule. The EU and UK grant the natural claim only to that natural route; Mercosur and Mexico call synthetic material identical-to-natural.
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Sources and attribution. The identity and regulatory facts on this page are taken from the FDA Substances Added to Food inventory, a US government record, which lists this substance as 2,4-DIMETHYL-2-PENTENOIC ACID under CAS 66634-97-7 and carries its FEMA number, its JECFA flavor number. The inventory is searchable at FDA. FDA records its technical effect as flavoring agent or adjuvant.
A FEMA GRAS conclusion is reached by the Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association of the United States, and the FEMA number names that conclusion. FEMA publishes its own entry for this substance in the FEMA Flavor Library, which is the authoritative record of what the Panel decided and is worth reading alongside this page.
Ambrose Compliance is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by FEMA. FEMA and FEMA GRAS are used here as identifiers for a published regulatory determination, not as marks of any relationship between FEMA and Ambrose.
About this page. Facts come from the FDA Substances Added to Food inventory, the Code of Federal Regulations, the EPA TSCA Inventory, the EU Union List, JECFA and the Ambrose database, with FEMA's published determination cited where it applies; parts of the text are written by Ambrose AI, which can make mistakes. Check the cited source before relying on anything here. This is not regulatory or legal advice.