FlavScents AInsights Entry: Strawberry Furanone (CAS: 3658-77-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Strawberry Furanone
- IUPAC Name: 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone
- CAS Number: 3658-77-3
- FEMA Number: 3174
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
- Molecular Formula: C6H8O3
- Molecular Weight: 128.13 g/mol
Strawberry furanone, also known as Furaneol, is a key aroma compound characterized by its furanone structure, which contributes significantly to its sweet, caramel-like odor. The presence of hydroxyl and methyl groups in its structure enhances its sensory impact, making it a valuable compound in flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Strawberry furanone is renowned for its sweet, caramel-like aroma with fruity nuances reminiscent of strawberries. It is often described as having a strong, persistent odor with moderate diffusion. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor systems, providing a rich, sweet background that enhances the perception of fruitiness and sweetness in various applications.
Taste and odor thresholds for strawberry furanone are relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations. It is commonly used to impart a natural, ripe strawberry character in both flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Strawberry furanone naturally occurs in a variety of fruits, including strawberries, pineapples, and tomatoes. It is formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking and processing of foods. This compound is also produced through fermentation processes.
Due to its natural occurrence and formation pathways, strawberry furanone is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance," aligning with consumer preferences for naturally derived ingredients.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Strawberry furanone is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as beverages, confectionery, and dairy. It functions as a key impact note, enhancing the sweetness and fruitiness of the flavor profile.
Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. 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, strawberry furanone is utilized in fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing to the overall sweetness and realism of the fragrance.
Concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are typically low, often less than 1%, due to its potent aroma. Strawberry furanone is considered a top to middle note, providing initial impact and lasting sweetness.
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 number 07.008.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions varying by country.
- Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.
Strawberry furanone is widely approved for use in both flavor and fragrance applications, with harmonized assumptions across many regions. However, formulators should verify specific country regulations to ensure compliance.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Strawberry furanone is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no adverse effects reported at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility.
Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, but formulators should consider cumulative exposure from multiple sources.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Strawberry furanone is valued for its ability to impart a natural, sweet, and fruity character to formulations. It synergizes well with other fruit and caramel notes, enhancing overall flavor and fragrance profiles. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sweetness, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired impact.
Formulators should balance strawberry furanone with complementary notes to achieve the desired sensory effect.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on strawberry furanone is well-established, with extensive documentation in both flavor and fragrance applications. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information readily available from authoritative sources.
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 2026-04-07 13:30:19 GMT (p2)