FlavScents AInsights Entry for Methional (CAS: 3268-49-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Methional
- IUPAC Name: 3-(Methylthio)propanal
- CAS Number: 3268-49-3
- FEMA Number: 2746
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 12.165
- Molecular Formula: C4H8OS
- Molecular Weight: 104.17 g/mol
Methional is a sulfur-containing aldehyde characterized by its methylthio group, which significantly contributes to its potent odor profile. The presence of the aldehyde functional group is crucial for its reactivity and sensory impact, often associated with cooked potato and vegetable-like aromas.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Methional is renowned for its distinctive odor, often described as reminiscent of cooked potatoes, boiled vegetables, and a slight sulfurous note. It possesses a strong, penetrating aroma with moderate diffusion. The compound is typically used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing authenticity and depth to savory profiles. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not universally documented, methional is known for its low threshold, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Methional naturally occurs in various foodstuffs, particularly those subjected to thermal processing. It is a key product of the Maillard reaction, a complex series of chemical reactions between amino acids and reducing sugars during cooking. This reaction is pivotal in developing the characteristic flavors of cooked foods, such as potatoes and certain meats. Methional's presence in these foods supports its designation as a "natural flavor" component.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Methional is extensively used in savory flavor formulations, particularly in potato, vegetable, and meat flavors. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the authenticity and richness of these profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. Methional is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions but can degrade under extreme heat or oxidative environments, necessitating careful formulation considerations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, methional is less commonly used but can contribute to green, vegetable, and sulfurous notes in certain compositions. It is primarily utilized in trace amounts to add realism and complexity to fragrance profiles. Methional's volatility allows it to function as a top note, providing an initial burst of aroma that can enhance the freshness and authenticity of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
United States
Methional is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use.
European Union
Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 12.165, methional is approved for use in food flavorings.
United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, the UK aligns with EU regulations, maintaining methional's status as an approved flavoring agent.
Asia
In Japan and China, methional is permitted for use in food flavors, though specific regulatory details may vary.
Latin America
Methional is generally accepted in MERCOSUR countries, including Brazil, for use in food flavorings.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Oral Exposure
Methional is considered safe for consumption at typical flavoring levels, with no specific ADI established. Its use is supported by a substantial margin of safety.
Dermal Exposure
In fragrance applications, methional is not a primary irritant or sensitizer but should be used in low concentrations to minimize potential skin reactions.
Inhalation Exposure
Methional's volatility necessitates caution in occupational settings to prevent excessive inhalation, though it is generally considered safe at typical exposure levels.
Risk profiles for methional do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, provided usage guidelines are followed.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Methional is valued for its ability to impart authentic cooked potato and vegetable notes, making it indispensable in savory flavor formulations. It synergizes well with other sulfur-containing compounds and umami enhancers. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can easily dominate a blend if overused. Methional is often underutilized in fragrance applications, where it can add unique green and sulfurous nuances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on methional is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific usage levels may vary based on proprietary formulations. Some data gaps exist in precise sensory thresholds, but these do not significantly impact its application.
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 2026-08-13 07:49:33 GMT (p2)
