FlavScents AInsights Entry: Methyl Furfuryl Disulfide (CAS: 57500-00-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methyl Furfuryl Disulfide
• IUPAC Name: 2-(Furan-2-ylmethyl)disulfanylmethane
• CAS Number: 57500-00-2
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C6H8OS2
• Molecular Weight: 160.26 g/mol

Methyl furfuryl disulfide is characterized by its disulfide functional group, which is crucial for its distinctive odor profile. The presence of the furan ring contributes to its unique sensory attributes, often associated with roasted or cooked notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methyl furfuryl disulfide is known for its potent roasted, meaty, and sulfurous aroma, reminiscent of cooked meat or roasted coffee. It is often described as having a strong, impactful odor with moderate diffusion. The compound plays a significant role as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing depth and authenticity to savory profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methyl furfuryl disulfide is naturally found in roasted coffee and cooked meat products. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a complex chemical process that occurs between amino acids and reducing sugars during cooking. This compound is relevant for "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural sources through approved processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Methyl furfuryl disulfide is extensively used in savory flavor applications, including meat, poultry, and roasted coffee flavors. It serves as a key impact note, enhancing the authenticity and richness of these profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering sulfurous notes. The compound is stable under typical cooking conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, methyl furfuryl disulfide is used sparingly due to its potent aroma. It is primarily utilized in creating realistic meat or roasted coffee accords, often as a trace realism or modifier note. Its volatility contributes to top and middle notes, with typical concentrations being very low to avoid overwhelming the fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage in flavors should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring guidelines.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data; usage should comply with national standards where applicable.
• Latin America: No specific data; general compliance with regional flavoring regulations is advised.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; usage should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with oral exposure being more relevant for flavor use.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Methyl furfuryl disulfide is valued for its ability to impart authentic roasted and meaty notes in flavor formulations. It synergizes well with other Maillard reaction products and sulfur-containing compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can easily dominate a blend if overused. It is often under-utilized in fragrance applications due to its strong odor.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on methyl furfuryl disulfide is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and natural occurrence. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• [x] All required sections 1-9 are present
• [x] "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• [x] Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• [x] Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• [x] Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• [x] 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 2026-06-08 15:38:10 GMT (p2)