FlavScents AInsights Entry: Strawberry Furanone (CAS: 3658-77-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Strawberry furanone, Furaneol
• IUPAC Name: 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone
• CAS Number: 3658-77-3
• FEMA Number: 3174
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C6H8O3
• Molecular Weight: 128.13 g/mol

Strawberry furanone, also known as Furaneol, is a key aroma compound characterized by its furanone structure, which contributes to its sweet, caramel-like odor. The presence of hydroxyl and methyl groups in its structure is crucial for its sensory properties, making it a significant component in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Strawberry furanone is renowned for its sweet, caramel-like aroma with fruity nuances reminiscent of strawberries. It is often described as having a strong, impactful odor with moderate diffusion. The compound plays a critical role as an impact note in flavor systems, providing a realistic strawberry character. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its potent sensory attributes make it effective even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Strawberry furanone naturally occurs in a variety of fruits, including strawberries, pineapples, and tomatoes. It is formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking process. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in food products due to its presence in natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Strawberry furanone is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit and dessert categories. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the authenticity and sweetness of strawberry and other fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 10 ppm, with industry-typical concentrations around 1-5 ppm. The compound is stable under a variety of conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, strawberry furanone is utilized in fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a modifier, adding depth and realism to compositions. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations are qualitative, often used in trace amounts to achieve the desired olfactory effect. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 07.008.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific regulations varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific approvals in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are prevalent, though some variability exists in country-specific regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, strawberry furanone is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an established ADI by relevant authorities. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no major safety concerns identified.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Strawberry furanone is valued for its ability to impart a natural, sweet, and fruity character to formulations. It synergizes well with other fruity and sweet compounds, enhancing overall flavor complexity. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sweetness. It is often under-utilized in savory applications where a hint of sweetness is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on strawberry furanone is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in use levels and regulatory interpretations may exist. Known data gaps are minimal, with ongoing research continuing to refine its applications.

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 2026-02-11 05:22:41 GMT (p2)