FlavScents AInsights Entry for Methional (CAS: 3268-49-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methional
• IUPAC Name: 3-(Methylthio)propanal
• CAS Number: 3268-49-3
• FEMA Number: 2746
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 12.165
• Molecular Formula: C4H8OS
• Molecular Weight: 104.17 g/mol

Methional is characterized by the presence of a thioether group, which significantly contributes to its potent odor profile. The aldehyde functional group is crucial for its reactivity and sensory impact, often associated with a cooked potato aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methional is renowned for its distinctive odor, often described as reminiscent of cooked potatoes, with sulfurous and green nuances. It is a powerful aroma compound with a low odor threshold, making it an impactful note in flavor formulations. Its sensory role is typically as an impact note, providing authenticity and depth to savory profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methional naturally occurs in various foodstuffs, particularly in cooked potatoes and other heat-processed foods. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, where amino acids and reducing sugars interact under heat. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" due to its presence in naturally processed foods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Methional is extensively used in savory flavor formulations, including soups, sauces, and snack foods. It functions as a key impact note, enhancing the authenticity of cooked and roasted profiles. Typical use levels in food range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. Methional is relatively stable under heat but can oxidize, affecting its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, methional is used sparingly due to its potent odor. It contributes to the realism of green and vegetable notes, often in trace amounts. Its volatility places it in the top note category, where it provides an initial burst of freshness and authenticity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Methional is FEMA GRAS approved for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Regulatory status aligns with EU standards post-Brexit.
• Asia: Recognized in Japan and China for flavor use, with specific regulatory guidelines.
• Latin America: Generally accepted under MERCOSUR regulations, with country-specific nuances.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Methional's safety profile is well-documented for oral exposure, with an established ADI and a wide margin of safety for typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is minimal, with low irritation potential. Inhalation exposure is considered safe at typical fragrance concentrations, though occupational exposure should be monitored.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Methional is valued for its ability to impart a realistic cooked potato note, enhancing savory profiles. It synergizes well with other sulfur-containing compounds and umami enhancers. Formulators should be cautious of its potent nature to avoid overpowering the blend, and consider its stability under various processing conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on methional is robust, with well-established sensory and safety profiles. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, methional is a reliable compound for both flavor and fragrance 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

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 2026-06-02 10:20:51 GMT (p2)