FlavScents AInsights Entry for Furfuryl Mercaptan (CAS: 98-02-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Furfuryl Mercaptan
• IUPAC Name: Furan-2-ylmethanethiol
• CAS Number: 98-02-2
• FEMA Number: 3264
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 13.018
• Molecular Formula: C5H6OS
• Molecular Weight: 114.17 g/mol

Furfuryl mercaptan is characterized by the presence of a thiol group attached to a furan ring. This structure is crucial for its potent odor profile, contributing to its use in flavor and fragrance applications. The thiol group is known for imparting a sulfurous, roasted aroma, which is significant in coffee and roasted nut flavors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Furfuryl mercaptan is renowned for its intense, roasted, and coffee-like aroma, often described as having a burnt, sulfurous character. It is a high-impact compound, even at low concentrations, and is used to impart a realistic roasted note in flavor formulations. The odor threshold is exceptionally low, making it effective in trace amounts to achieve the desired sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Furfuryl mercaptan naturally occurs in roasted coffee and is formed during the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs upon heating. This compound is also found in other roasted foods and contributes to the characteristic aroma of these products. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Furfuryl mercaptan is primarily used in coffee, nut, and chocolate flavor formulations. It serves as an impact note, providing authenticity and depth to these flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the flavor system. It is relatively stable under typical processing conditions but can be sensitive to oxidation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, furfuryl mercaptan is used to impart a roasted, smoky note, often in trace amounts to add realism to gourmand and oriental fragrance families. It acts as a top note due to its volatility, providing an initial burst of aroma that enhances the overall fragrance profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific use levels defined by local regulations.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to regional flavor regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though specific use levels may vary by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Furfuryl mercaptan is considered safe for use in food flavors at typical use levels, with a high margin of safety.
• Dermal Exposure: In fragrance applications, it is not known to cause irritation or sensitization at typical use concentrations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure is possible, but occupational exposure limits are generally not exceeded in typical use scenarios.

The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant safety concerns reported at industry-standard use levels.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Furfuryl mercaptan is valued for its ability to impart a realistic roasted note, making it indispensable in coffee and nut flavors. It synergizes well with other Maillard reaction products and can be used to enhance the complexity of flavor profiles. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, as overuse can lead to an overpowering sulfurous note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on furfuryl mercaptan is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific use levels may vary by application. No significant data gaps or regulatory ambiguities are 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 2026-02-13 13:16:32 GMT (p2)