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: 3232
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 12.165
• Molecular Formula: C4H8OS
• Molecular Weight: 104.17 g/mol

Methional is a sulfur-containing aldehyde characterized by the presence of a methylthio group attached to a propanal backbone. This functional group is crucial for its distinctive odor profile, often described as cooked potato or boiled potato-like, which is significant in flavor applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methional is renowned for its potent odor, reminiscent of cooked potatoes, with additional notes of boiled vegetables and a slight sulfurous undertone. It is a high-impact compound, often used in trace amounts due to its strong diffusion and intensity. The odor threshold of methional is relatively low, making it effective as an impact note in flavor formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methional naturally occurs in various foodstuffs, particularly those subjected to thermal processing, such as cooked potatoes and certain meats. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a complex chemical process involving amino acids and reducing sugars during cooking. This compound is often associated with the "natural flavor" designation due to its presence in cooked foods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Methional is extensively used in savory flavor applications, particularly in potato, meat, and vegetable flavors. It serves as an impact note, providing authenticity and depth to flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and food matrix. Methional is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions but can degrade under extreme heat or oxidative environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, methional is less commonly used but can be found in certain niche products where a cooked or savory note is desired. It may contribute to the top or middle notes due to its volatility. Concentrations in fragrances are typically low, often below 0.1%, to prevent overpowering the overall scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Methional is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 12.165.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific usage guidelines varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Methional's safety profile is well-documented, with low toxicity reported at typical usage levels. For oral exposure, it is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI parameters. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is minimal, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is generally low due to its limited use in fragrances. Overall, the risk profile is consistent across food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Methional is valued for its ability to impart authentic cooked potato and savory notes. It synergizes well with other sulfur-containing compounds and umami enhancers. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an undesirable sulfurous character. It is often under-utilized in complex flavor systems where subtlety is required.

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, the confidence in methional's application and safety is high.

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 07:13:30 GMT (p2)