FlavScents AInsights Entry for Lychee Mercaptan Acetate (CAS: 51755-85-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Lychee Mercaptan Acetate
• IUPAC Name: 2-(2-Methylbutan-2-ylthio)ethyl acetate
• CAS Number: 51755-85-2
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C9H18O2S
• Molecular Weight: 190.30 g/mol

Lychee mercaptan acetate is characterized by its thioether and ester functional groups, which contribute to its distinctive odor profile. The presence of the sulfur atom in the thioether group is particularly significant for its odor characteristics, often imparting a fruity and tropical note reminiscent of lychee.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Lychee mercaptan acetate is known for its potent and distinctive odor, often described as fruity, tropical, and reminiscent of lychee. The intensity of its aroma is high, making it a powerful impact note in formulations. It is typically used in small quantities due to its strong diffusion and character. The taste and odor thresholds for lychee mercaptan acetate are not clearly reported, but its sensory role is primarily as an impact note, adding a unique lychee-like character to flavor and fragrance compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Lychee mercaptan acetate is not commonly found in nature and is primarily synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications. Its formation does not typically occur through natural pathways such as the Maillard reaction or fermentation. As a synthetic compound, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Lychee mercaptan acetate is used in flavor formulations to impart a lychee-like note, often in tropical fruit blends, beverages, and confectionery. Its functional role is as an impact note, providing a distinctive lychee character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not well-documented, but industry practice suggests low ppm levels due to its potency. 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, lychee mercaptan acetate is used to add a fruity, tropical note, often in floral and fruity fragrance families. Its role is typically as a trace realism or modifier, enhancing the overall complexity of the fragrance. Concentration ranges are generally low due to its strong odor profile. It contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance due to its volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage may be subject to general safety evaluations.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; may be used under general safety provisions.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; usage likely subject to general safety evaluations.
• Latin America: Specific regulatory status not well-documented; general safety evaluations apply.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI, TTC, or MSDI; general safety evaluations apply.
• Dermal Exposure: Not specifically listed by IFRA; potential for irritation or sensitization should be evaluated in formulations.
• Inhalation Exposure: 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 careful evaluation of dermal and inhalation exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Lychee mercaptan acetate is valued for its ability to impart a unique lychee-like note, making it a versatile component in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other fruity and tropical notes but can easily overpower a composition if not used judiciously. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an unbalanced profile, and potential stability issues under oxidative conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on lychee mercaptan acetate is limited, with much of the information being industry-typical but undocumented. Regulatory ambiguities exist due to its synthetic nature and lack of explicit listings in major regulatory frameworks. Further research and documentation would enhance confidence in its use.

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 2026-04-07 18:39:52 GMT (p2)