methyl (E)-3-nonenoate

Methyl (E)-3-nonenoate is an ester compound with the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₈O₂ known for its characteristic fruity odor and flavor profile. It presents with medium intensity fruity, green watermelon and pear notes and carries sweet, fresh apple and melon sensory attributes. Known by various synonyms such as methyl trans-3-nonenoate and trans-methyl 3-nonenoate, each name refers to the same geometric isomer of 3-nonenoate ester. It is a clear liquid commonly used in flavor and fragrance contexts, sourced synthetically or derived through esterification of 3-nonenoic acid with methanol. PubChem provides additional detailed chemical information under CID 5366844, supporting further study and reference. This compound finds utility primarily in flavoring due to its pleasant fruit nuances and moderate stability under typical conditions.

Methyl (E)-3-nonenoate occurs as a flavor constituent resembling fruity and tropical aromas. It is employed extensively as a flavoring agent to impart sweet coconut, green mango, peach, pear, strawberry, and melon notes in food products. The compound is recognized under flavoring regulations such as FEMA (US), where it is approved for use at controlled levels, typically up to 30 ppm in finished food formulations. Its pleasant and lasting fruity character with substantivity exceeding 24 hours at pure concentrations supports its application in complex flavor blends. Methyl (E)-3-nonenoate is not recommended for fragrance use owing to specific regulatory guidelines. The compound's moderate volatility and solubility properties support its use in a wide range of flavor delivery systems.

Methyl (E)-3-nonenoate is a colorless liquid with a molecular weight of approximately 170.25 g/mol. It exhibits a vapor pressure of 0.171 mmHg at 25 °C, reflecting moderate volatility suitable for flavor applications requiring persistent aroma. The estimated logP value of 3.65 indicates a predominant lipophilic character, enhancing solubility in organic solvents like alcohol but limited aqueous solubility, estimated at 52.1 mg/L at 25 °C. Its flash point is around 195 °F (90.6 °C), suggesting reasonable thermal stability under standard handling conditions. These properties influence formulation decisions, allowing efficient incorporation into flavors while mitigating rapid evaporation or degradation. The compound's molecular structure includes an ester functional group with an (E)-configured double bond, contributing to its defined sensory and chemical behavior.

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:	The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:	Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	Search
Export Tariff Code:	2916.19.6000
VCF-Online:	VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
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Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavoring agents
Recommendation for methyl (E)-3-nonenoate usage levels up to:
	not for fragrance use.
Recommendation for methyl (E)-3-nonenoate flavor usage levels up to:
	30.0000 ppm in the finished product.

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):36781-67-6

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :5366844

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

methyl (E)-non-3-enoate

Chemidplus:0036781676