FlavScents AInsights Entry for Disodium 5'-Guanylate (CAS: 12/9/50)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Disodium 5'-guanylate, commonly referred to as disodium guanylate, is a flavor enhancer used in various food products. Its IUPAC name is disodium [(2R,3S,4R,5R)-5-(2-amino-6-oxo-1H-purin-9-yl)-3,4-dihydroxyoxolan-2-yl]methyl phosphate. The CAS number for disodium 5'-guanylate is 5550-12-9. It does not have a FEMA number as it is primarily used as a flavor enhancer rather than a flavoring agent. The molecular formula is C10H12N5Na2O8P, and it has a molecular weight of 407.2 g/mol. The compound contains functional groups such as phosphate and purine, which contribute to its solubility and interaction with other flavor compounds.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Disodium 5'-guanylate is known for its umami taste, which enhances the savory flavor profile of foods. It does not have a distinct odor but is recognized for its ability to intensify the taste of other ingredients, particularly in combination with monosodium glutamate (MSG). The taste threshold for disodium 5'-guanylate is relatively low, making it effective in small quantities. It is typically used as an impact note in flavor formulations to provide depth and complexity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Disodium 5'-guanylate is not typically found in nature in its disodium salt form but is derived from guanylic acid, which occurs naturally in various foods such as fish, mushrooms, and yeast. It is often produced through fermentation processes involving yeast or bacterial cultures. This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural sources through acceptable processes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Disodium 5'-guanylate is widely used in flavor systems to enhance savory notes in products such as soups, sauces, snacks, and processed meats. It functions as a flavor enhancer, working synergistically with MSG to provide a richer umami taste. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 10 to 100 ppm, with industry-typical levels around 50 ppm. It is stable under normal cooking conditions, including heat and varying pH levels, but may degrade under extreme conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Disodium 5'-guanylate is not commonly used in fragrance formulations due to its primary role as a flavor enhancer. Its contribution to fragrance systems is minimal, and it is not typically included in fragrance families or product types.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, disodium 5'-guanylate is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by the FDA for use as a flavor enhancer. In the European Union, it is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and assigned the FL number 16.012. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, it is widely accepted as a food additive. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR also permit its use, although specific regulations may vary.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Disodium 5'-guanylate is considered safe for oral consumption at typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specified due to its low toxicity. Dermal exposure is not a concern due to its limited use in non-food applications. Inhalation exposure is unlikely in typical use scenarios. Overall, the risk profile is favorable for food applications, with no significant differences in safety between food and fragrance uses.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Disodium 5'-guanylate is valued for its ability to enhance umami flavors, making it a staple in savory product formulations. It synergizes well with MSG and other nucleotides to create a balanced flavor profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering taste. It is often underutilized in products seeking a natural umami boost without MSG.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on disodium 5'-guanylate is well-established, with comprehensive regulatory and safety evaluations. Industry practices are well-documented, although specific use levels may vary. There are no significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities noted.
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 2026-03-13 20:12:36 GMT (p2)