FlavScents AInsights Entry for Raspberry Ketone Methyl Ether (CAS: 104-20-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Raspberry Ketone Methyl Ether
• IUPAC Name: 4-(4-Methoxyphenyl)butan-2-one
• CAS Number: 104-20-1
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL Number: Not available; CoE Number: Not available; IFRA Reference: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C11H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 178.23 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Raspberry ketone methyl ether contains a methoxy group attached to a phenyl ring, contributing to its sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of raspberries. The ketone group is crucial for its characteristic scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is characterized by its sweet, fruity odor with a distinct raspberry-like note. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for both flavor and fragrance applications. The compound serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a realistic raspberry scent that enhances the overall sensory experience. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but it is known to be effective at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical pathways. It is structurally related to raspberry ketone, which occurs naturally in raspberries and other fruits. The compound can be produced via methylation of raspberry ketone or through other synthetic routes. Its relevance to "natural flavor" designation is limited due to its synthetic origin, although it can be used in natural-identical flavor formulations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is used in various flavor categories, including fruit, berry, and confectionery flavors. It acts as a key impact note, providing a realistic raspberry flavor that enhances the authenticity of the product. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions, including heat and pH variations, but may be susceptible to oxidation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, raspberry ketone methyl ether is utilized in fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It serves as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The compound's volatility allows it to impart a fresh, fruity aroma that enhances the overall fragrance profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with local flavor and fragrance 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; usage 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 applications.
• 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 consideration of dermal and inhalation exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is valued for its ability to impart a realistic raspberry note in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and sweet notes, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an artificial or overpowering effect. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its impact can be maximized.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on raspberry ketone methyl ether is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and general usage. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are limited, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and safety assessments. Known data gaps include precise regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological evaluations.

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 2026-06-03 20:45:39 GMT (p2)