FlavScents AInsights Entry for Sulfuryl Acetate (CAS: 656-53-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Sulfuryl acetate
• IUPAC Name: Sulfuryl diacetate
• CAS Number: 656-53-1
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C4H6O5S
• Molecular Weight: 166.16 g/mol

Sulfuryl acetate is characterized by its functional groups, which include an acetate group linked to a sulfuryl group. This structure is significant for its odor profile, contributing to its utility in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Sulfuryl acetate is known for its distinctive odor profile, often described as having a pungent, sulfurous character with a hint of acetic acid. The intensity of its odor is moderate, and it is typically used as an impact note in formulations. The compound's sensory role is primarily as a modifier, adding complexity and depth to flavor and fragrance compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Sulfuryl acetate is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for industrial use. It does not have a significant presence in natural sources, and its formation is typically through chemical synthesis rather than natural biochemical pathways. As such, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Sulfuryl acetate is utilized in various flavor categories, including savory and umami profiles, where it serves as a functional modifier. Its typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. It is valued for its ability to enhance and round out flavor profiles, particularly in complex formulations. Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, though it may be susceptible to oxidation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, sulfuryl acetate is used across several fragrance families, including fougère and chypre. It acts as a trace realism enhancer and is often employed as a modifier to add a unique sulfurous note. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.01% to 0.1%, contributing primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with local flavor and fragrance regulations is advised.
• Latin America: No specific listings; adherence to MERCOSUR and local regulations is recommended.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI; general safety practices should be followed.
• Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use in fragrances.
• Inhalation Exposure: Moderate volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use requiring more stringent dermal safety assessments.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Sulfuryl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a unique sulfurous note, enhancing the complexity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other sulfur-containing compounds and can be a powerful tool in creating savory and umami profiles. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as overuse can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often underutilized due to its niche appeal, but when used judiciously, it can significantly enhance product profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on sulfuryl acetate is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, which necessitate cautious use and adherence to general safety guidelines. Industry practices often rely on informed estimates due to the lack of comprehensive documentation.

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 13:45:47 GMT (p2)