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-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone methyl ether
• 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 an ether group and a phenolic structure, contributing to its sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of raspberries. The ether linkage is crucial for its volatility and odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is characterized by its sweet, fruity aroma 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. 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 involving the methylation of raspberry ketone. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin. However, it can be used to mimic natural raspberry flavors in various applications.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is used in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, confectionery, and beverage flavors. It acts as a key impact note, enhancing the authenticity of raspberry and other berry flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, raspberry ketone methyl ether is utilized in fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It serves as a modifier or impact note, providing a sweet, fruity top note. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity. The compound is relatively volatile, contributing primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition.

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 guidelines.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring regulations.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general flavor and fragrance regulations apply.
• Latin America: Usage should comply with regional flavor and fragrance standards; specific data not found.

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; formulators should conduct patch tests for new formulations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.

Risk profiles may vary between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use potentially posing higher dermal exposure risks.

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 berry and fruity notes, enhancing overall complexity. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive concentrations can lead to an artificial or cloying effect. It is often under-utilized in complex fragrance compositions where subtlety is required.

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 guidelines. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and safety assessments.

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 2026-09-16 17:39:45 GMT (p2)