FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2,5-Dimethyl-3-furan thiol (CAS: 55764-23-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): 2,5-Dimethyl-3-furan thiol
- IUPAC Name: 2,5-Dimethylfuran-3-thiol
- CAS Number: 55764-23-3
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
- Molecular Formula: C6H8OS
- Molecular Weight: 128.19 g/mol
2,5-Dimethyl-3-furan thiol is characterized by its thiol functional group, which is crucial for its potent odor profile. The presence of the furan ring contributes to its unique aroma, often described as roasted or meaty, making it a valuable compound in flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
2,5-Dimethyl-3-furan thiol is renowned for its intense, savory aroma reminiscent of roasted meat or coffee. It is a high-impact compound with a low odor threshold, contributing significantly to the overall sensory profile even at low concentrations. Its role is often as an impact note, providing depth and authenticity to savory flavors.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
This compound is naturally found in roasted coffee and cooked meat, where it forms through the Maillard reaction—a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs upon heating. Its presence in these foods contributes to their characteristic savory and roasted aromas, qualifying it for use in "natural flavor" designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
2,5-Dimethyl-3-furan thiol is primarily used in savory flavor applications, such as meat, coffee, and roasted nut flavors. It acts as an impact note, enhancing the authenticity and depth of these flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. It is relatively stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or oxidative environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
While its primary use is in flavors, 2,5-Dimethyl-3-furan thiol can also be found in fragrance compositions where a roasted or savory note is desired. It is used sparingly due to its potent aroma, typically contributing to the top or middle notes of a fragrance. Its volatility allows it to impart an immediate impact, enhancing the complexity of the fragrance profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should be aligned with general safety guidelines.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should comply with general flavoring regulations.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with local flavoring regulations is advised.
- Latin America: No specific data; adherence to MERCOSUR and local regulations is recommended.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI established; use 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 use.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
Overall, the risk profile may vary between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls typically applied in fragrance formulations due to potential dermal exposure.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
2,5-Dimethyl-3-furan thiol is valued for its ability to impart a realistic roasted or meaty note, making it indispensable in savory flavor formulations. It synergizes well with other Maillard reaction products and can be overused if not carefully balanced, leading to an overpowering aroma. Formulators should be cautious of its potent nature and potential for rapid volatilization.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on 2,5-Dimethyl-3-furan thiol is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and natural occurrence. However, specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are less documented, necessitating reliance on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.
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 2026-05-21 12:39:52 GMT (p2)