FlavScents AInsights Entry for Rum Extract (CAS: 90604-30-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Rum extract is a natural complex material derived from the distillation of fermented sugarcane or molasses. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various volatile compounds that contribute to its characteristic aroma and flavor. The CAS number for rum extract is 90604-30-1. It does not have a specific IUPAC name or molecular formula due to its complex nature. Rum extract is often used in both flavor and fragrance applications, providing a rich, sweet, and slightly spicy aroma reminiscent of aged rum.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Rum extract is characterized by its warm, sweet, and slightly spicy aroma, often described as having notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. The intensity of the aroma can vary depending on the concentration and the specific composition of the extract. It is typically used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a realistic rum character to food and beverage products. The taste and odor thresholds for rum extract are not clearly reported, but it is known for its strong diffusion and ability to enhance the overall sensory profile of a product.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Rum extract is naturally derived from the distillation of fermented sugarcane juice or molasses. The fermentation process involves the conversion of sugars into alcohol by yeast, followed by distillation to concentrate the volatile compounds. This process is similar to the production of rum, which is why the extract retains the characteristic aroma and flavor of the spirit. Rum extract is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" due to its derivation from natural sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Rum extract is widely used in the flavor industry to impart a rich, authentic rum flavor to a variety of food and beverage products, including baked goods, confectionery, and alcoholic beverages. It serves as a key impact note in flavor systems, providing depth and complexity. Typical use levels in finished products range from 50 to 500 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. Rum extract is generally stable under typical processing conditions, but care should be taken to avoid excessive heat and oxidation, which can degrade its sensory qualities.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, rum extract is used to create warm, sweet, and spicy notes in various fragrance families, including gourmand and oriental. It acts as a modifier or impact note, adding depth and richness to the fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are not well-documented, but it is often used in trace amounts to achieve the desired olfactory effect. Rum extract contributes primarily to the middle and base notes of a fragrance due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Rum extract contains a variety of volatile compounds, including esters, alcohols, and aldehydes, which contribute to its characteristic aroma. Key constituents may include ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, and vanillin, among others. The exact composition can vary significantly depending on the source of the sugarcane or molasses, the fermentation process, and the distillation method used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, rum extract is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food and beverages by the FDA and FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, and its use in flavors is permitted. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, the regulatory status may vary, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for flavoring substances. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have their own regulations, often aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Rum extract is considered safe for use in food and beverages when used within recommended levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is the primary route, with no specific ADI or MSDI values reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, but formulators should consider potential sensitization in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant safety concerns reported.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Rum extract is valued for its ability to impart a rich, authentic rum flavor to products. It synergizes well with vanilla, caramel, and spice notes, enhancing the overall sensory profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its strong aroma can dominate other flavors. It is often under-used in non-alcoholic applications, where it can provide a sophisticated flavor profile without the need for actual alcohol.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on rum extract is well-established, with consistent sensory and regulatory information available. However, specific quantitative data on use levels and safety thresholds are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices. Known data gaps include detailed compositional analysis and precise sensory thresholds.
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
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
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 2026-09-18 15:27:39 GMT (p2)