FlavScents AInsights Entry for Toffee Furanone (CAS: 19322-27-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Toffee Furanone
- IUPAC Name: 4-Hydroxy-5-methylfuran-3(2H)-one
- CAS Number: 19322-27-1
- FEMA Number: 3174
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 13.018
- Molecular Formula: C5H6O3
- Molecular Weight: 114.10 g/mol
Toffee furanone is a furanone derivative characterized by its hydroxyl and methyl functional groups. These contribute to its sweet, caramel-like aroma, making it a valuable compound in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Toffee furanone is renowned for its rich, sweet, caramel-like aroma with nuances of burnt sugar and toffee. It is often described as having a moderate to high intensity with a warm, inviting character. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing depth and realism to sweet profiles.
Taste and odor thresholds for toffee furanone are not widely documented, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory impact.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Toffee furanone is naturally found in a variety of foods, including coffee, roasted nuts, and certain fruits. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a complex chemical process that occurs during the heating of sugars and amino acids, contributing to the development of flavor in cooked foods.
Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in regulatory contexts, provided it is derived from natural processes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Toffee furanone is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in confectionery, bakery, and dairy products. It functions as a key impact note, enhancing the sweetness and complexity of caramel, toffee, and butterscotch flavors.
Typical use levels in finished products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product matrix. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade at high temperatures or extreme pH levels.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, toffee furanone is utilized in gourmand and sweet fragrance families. It acts as a modifier, adding warmth and depth to compositions. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in the fragrance oil, depending on the desired effect.
Toffee furanone contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering moderate volatility and a lasting sweet impression.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 13.018.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific usage guidelines.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.
Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though formulators should verify country-specific guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Toffee furanone is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by GRAS status, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility.
Risk profiles are consistent across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Toffee furanone is valued for its ability to impart a rich, sweet character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with vanilla, chocolate, and nutty notes, enhancing overall complexity. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sweetness.
Common pitfalls include instability at high temperatures and potential interactions with acidic ingredients, which may alter its sensory profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on toffee furanone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific sensory thresholds may require further research. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with clear guidelines in major markets.
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 2026-07-13 14:07:50 GMT (p2)