FlavScents AInsights Entry: Furfuryl Mercaptan (CAS: 98-02-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Furfuryl Mercaptan, also known as 2-Furanmethanethiol, is a chemical compound with the CAS number 98-02-2. It is identified by the FEMA number 3418. The molecular formula for Furfuryl Mercaptan is C5H6OS, and it has a molecular weight of 114.16 g/mol. This compound features a thiol group attached to a furan ring, which is significant for its potent odor characteristics. The presence of the thiol group contributes to its strong, sulfurous aroma, which is crucial in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Furfuryl Mercaptan is renowned for its intense, roasted coffee aroma, often described as burnt, sulfurous, and meaty. It is a powerful impact note in flavor formulations, providing depth and authenticity to coffee and roasted profiles. The odor threshold is extremely low, making it effective even at minute concentrations. Its sensory role is primarily as an impact note, adding complexity and realism to flavor systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Furfuryl Mercaptan naturally occurs in roasted coffee and is formed during the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs upon heating. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" due to its presence in naturally processed foods. Its formation is a key factor in the development of the characteristic aroma of roasted coffee.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Furfuryl Mercaptan is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in coffee, chocolate, and roasted meat flavors. It serves as a critical impact note, enhancing the authenticity and depth of these profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. It is stable under typical processing conditions but can degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, Furfuryl Mercaptan is used to impart a roasted, smoky character to compositions. It is often employed in trace amounts to add realism and complexity to fragrance blends, particularly those mimicking natural environments or food-related scents. Its volatility contributes to its role as a top note, although it can also provide a lingering middle note effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, Furfuryl Mercaptan is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, and in Latin America, such as Brazil, it is generally accepted in flavor applications, although specific regulations may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, Furfuryl Mercaptan is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an established margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, but it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. Inhalation exposure is primarily relevant in occupational settings, where adequate ventilation and protective measures are recommended. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Furfuryl Mercaptan is valued for its ability to impart a realistic roasted character to flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other sulfur-containing compounds and pyrazines to enhance complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, as overuse can lead to an overpowering sulfurous note. It is often under-used in non-coffee applications where it can add unexpected depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on Furfuryl Mercaptan is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information being robust and reliable.

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 2026-05-19 20:16:38 GMT (p2)