FlavScents AInsights Entry for Thiogeraniol (CAS: 39067-80-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Thiogeraniol, also known as 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-thiol, is a sulfur-containing compound with the CAS number 39067-80-6. It does not have a FEMA number assigned. The molecular formula for thiogeraniol is C10H18S, and it has a molecular weight of 170.32 g/mol. The presence of a thiol group in its structure contributes to its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as sulfurous and reminiscent of grapefruit. This functional group is crucial for its role in both flavor and fragrance applications, providing a unique character that can enhance or modify other notes in a formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Thiogeraniol is characterized by its potent sulfurous odor, which is often described as grapefruit-like with a hint of green and floral nuances. Its intensity is high, and it can be quite diffusive, making it a powerful impact note in both flavor and fragrance compositions. The taste and odor thresholds for thiogeraniol are not well-documented, but its strong sensory impact suggests that it is effective at low concentrations. In formulations, thiogeraniol is typically used as an impact note or a modifier to add complexity and realism to citrus and fruity profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Thiogeraniol is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical pathways involving the introduction of a thiol group to geraniol or similar terpenoid precursors. Its formation is typically associated with synthetic processes rather than natural biosynthesis. As such, thiogeraniol is not typically designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" component, unless derived from natural precursors through permissible processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, thiogeraniol is primarily used in citrus and fruity flavor profiles, where it serves as an impact note to enhance the authenticity and complexity of the flavor. It is particularly effective in grapefruit and other citrus flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not well-documented, but industry practice suggests that it is used at very low concentrations, often in the range of 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the matrix of the product. Thiogeraniol is relatively stable under typical flavor formulation conditions, but care should be taken to avoid excessive heat or oxidation, which can degrade its sensory qualities.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Thiogeraniol is utilized in fragrance compositions for its unique sulfurous and grapefruit-like aroma, which can add a fresh and vibrant top note to citrus, fruity, and floral fragrance families. It is often used as a modifier or an impact note to enhance the realism and complexity of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are not explicitly documented, but it is generally used at low levels due to its potent odor. Thiogeraniol contributes primarily to the top note of a fragrance due to its volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, thiogeraniol does not have a specific FEMA GRAS status, and its use in flavors and fragrances is subject to general safety and regulatory guidelines. In the European Union, it is regulated under the general provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, but specific FL number status is not available. Post-Brexit, the United Kingdom follows similar regulatory frameworks as the EU, with potential for divergence. In Asia, regulatory information is limited, but it is generally subject to national safety assessments. In Latin America, including Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, thiogeraniol is regulated under general flavor and fragrance safety guidelines.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Thiogeraniol's safety profile is primarily evaluated based on its potential exposure routes. For oral exposure in flavor use, specific ADI, TTC, or MSDI values are not available, but it is used at low concentrations that are generally considered safe. Dermal exposure in fragrance use may pose a risk of irritation or sensitization, particularly due to its sulfurous nature, and formulators should adhere to IFRA guidelines where applicable. Inhalation exposure is relevant due to its volatility, and occupational safety measures should be considered to minimize inhalation risks. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications may differ, with dermal and inhalation routes being more critical for fragrance use.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Thiogeraniol is valued for its ability to impart a distinctive grapefruit-like note that can enhance the authenticity and complexity of citrus and fruity profiles. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, providing a fresh and vibrant character. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sulfurous note, and instability under harsh conditions. It is frequently under-used in formulations that could benefit from its unique impact, particularly in enhancing the realism of grapefruit and other citrus flavors.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on thiogeraniol is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory profile, but there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data. Industry practices are often based on empirical use and safety assessments rather than comprehensive documentation. Known data gaps include specific use levels in various applications 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 2026-06-02 18:16:43 GMT (p2)