FlavScents AInsights Entry for (R)-Strawberry Furanone Methyl Ether (CAS: 131222-76-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): (R)-Strawberry furanone methyl ether
- IUPAC Name: (R)-4-Methoxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone
- CAS Number: 131222-76-9
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
- Molecular Formula: C7H10O3
- Molecular Weight: 142.15 g/mol
This compound is characterized by its furanone core, which is crucial for its odor profile. The methoxy group contributes to its sweet, fruity aroma, reminiscent of strawberries, making it a valuable compound in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
(R)-Strawberry furanone methyl ether is known for its sweet, fruity odor with a strong resemblance to strawberries. It is often described as having a moderate to high intensity with good diffusion properties. The compound serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a realistic strawberry character. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
This compound is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical pathways involving the methylation of strawberry furanone. It is relevant to "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural precursors through acceptable processes. Its formation is often associated with the Maillard reaction, which is a key pathway in flavor chemistry.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
(R)-Strawberry furanone methyl ether is primarily used in fruit-flavored products, especially those mimicking strawberry. It acts as an impact note, enhancing the authenticity of strawberry flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrances, this compound is used in fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It serves as a modifier or impact note, providing a sweet, fruity top note. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations are low, often less than 1%, due to its potent aroma. It contributes 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 under FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety guidelines.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; assumed to be used under general flavoring guidelines.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Specific regulations in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries are not clearly documented; general flavoring guidelines apply.
- Latin America: Usage is generally governed by MERCOSUR regulations, with no specific mention of this compound.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values are reported. General safety is assumed based on low usage levels.
- Dermal Exposure: No significant irritation or sensitization data available; assumed safe at typical fragrance concentrations.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but no specific occupational safety data are available.
Overall, the risk profile does not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, assuming adherence to typical usage levels.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
(R)-Strawberry furanone methyl ether is valued for its ability to impart a realistic strawberry aroma. It synergizes well with other fruity and sweet notes. Formulators should be cautious of its potency to avoid overpowering the final product. It is often under-used due to its strong impact, which can be a missed opportunity for enhancing strawberry profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on (R)-strawberry furanone methyl ether is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical usage. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, indicating areas for further research and clarification.
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 2026-04-13 17:51:19 GMT (p2)