FlavScents AInsights Entry for Dimethyl Trisulfide (CAS: 3658-80-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) is a sulfur-containing organic compound with the IUPAC name 3,3'-thiobis(propane-1-thiol). It is identified by the CAS number 3658-80-8. The FEMA number for dimethyl trisulfide is 3873. Other identifiers include the FL number 02.015 and CoE number 256. The molecular formula of DMTS is C2H6S3, and it has a molecular weight of 126.26 g/mol. The compound is characterized by its thiol functional groups, which contribute to its strong, pungent odor reminiscent of cooked cabbage or garlic. This structure-odor relationship is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications, where DMTS is used for its potent aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Dimethyl trisulfide is known for its intense, sulfurous odor, often described as resembling cooked cabbage, garlic, or onions. It has a high odor intensity and is considered an impact note in flavor and fragrance formulations. The compound's odor threshold is very low, typically in the range of parts per billion (ppb), making it effective even at minimal concentrations. In sensory applications, DMTS is used to impart authenticity and depth, often serving as a background realism enhancer or a modifier to add complexity to a profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Dimethyl trisulfide occurs naturally in various foods and plants, including cooked vegetables like cabbage and onions, as well as in some animal products. It is formed through the enzymatic degradation of sulfur-containing amino acids, such as methionine, during cooking or fermentation processes. This compound is relevant to the designation of "natural flavor" due to its presence in naturally occurring foodstuffs and its formation through natural biochemical pathways.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, dimethyl trisulfide is used across various categories, including savory, meat, and vegetable flavors. It plays a functional role as an impact note, providing authenticity and depth to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. DMTS is stable under typical processing conditions but can be sensitive to oxidation, which may alter its sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Dimethyl trisulfide is utilized in fragrance formulations, particularly within the fougère and chypre families, where it contributes a trace realism or modifier effect. It is typically used in very low concentrations, often below 0.1%, due to its potent odor. DMTS is considered a top note due to its high volatility, providing an initial burst of aroma that can enhance the complexity of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, dimethyl trisulfide is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with the FL number 02.015. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, DMTS is generally accepted for use in flavors, though specific regulations may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR also permit its use, aligning with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, dimethyl trisulfide is considered safe at typical use levels in food, with an ADI not specifically established but implied through GRAS status. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility at typical use levels, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Dimethyl trisulfide is valued for its ability to impart authenticity and complexity to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other sulfur compounds and can enhance the savory notes in food applications. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering sulfurous note, and oxidation, which can alter its sensory profile. It is often under-used in fragrance applications due to its potent odor, but when used judiciously, it can add a unique dimension to compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on dimethyl trisulfide is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are documented, though some specific use levels may vary based on proprietary formulations. Known data gaps include precise ADI values, which are inferred from GRAS status rather than explicitly stated.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1–9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-03-24 07:10:41 GMT (p2)