FlavScents AInsights Entry: Ethyl Thiobutyrate (CAS: 20807-99-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Ethyl thiobutyrate
- IUPAC Name: Ethyl 3-methylthiobutanoate
- CAS Number: 20807-99-2
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
- Molecular Formula: C6H12OS
- Molecular Weight: 132.22 g/mol
Ethyl thiobutyrate is characterized by its ester functional group, which is crucial for its odor profile. The presence of a sulfur atom in its structure contributes to its distinctive aroma, often described as fruity with a hint of sulfurous undertones. This structural feature is significant in determining its sensory attributes and its role in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Ethyl thiobutyrate is known for its fruity odor, reminiscent of pineapple and tropical fruits, with a subtle sulfurous note that adds complexity. Its intensity is moderate, making it suitable as both an impact note and a background modifier in formulations. The odor threshold is not clearly reported, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
In flavor applications, ethyl thiobutyrate is valued for its ability to enhance fruit profiles, particularly in tropical and citrus blends. Its sensory role often involves adding realism and depth to fruit flavors.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Ethyl thiobutyrate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification processes involving thiobutyric acid and ethanol. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin.
The compound's formation in synthetic processes is crucial for its availability in commercial applications, where it is used to mimic natural fruit aromas.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Ethyl thiobutyrate is primarily used in fruit flavor formulations, particularly those aiming to replicate tropical and citrus profiles. It serves as an impact note that enhances the overall fruitiness of a product. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering sulfurous notes.
Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be prone to oxidation, which can alter its sensory characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, ethyl thiobutyrate is used to impart a fresh, fruity note, often in conjunction with other esters to create complex fruit accords. It is suitable for use in various product types, including personal care and household products.
The compound typically contributes to the top notes of a fragrance, providing an initial burst of fruitiness that can enhance the overall appeal of the scent. Concentration ranges are generally low, reflecting its potent aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Ethyl thiobutyrate does not have a specific FEMA GRAS status, indicating limited use in flavor applications.
- European Union: Not explicitly listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, suggesting it may be used under general flavoring principles.
- United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards, with no specific divergence reported.
- Asia: Limited data available; usage may vary by country.
- Latin America: Specific regulatory information is not clearly reported, indicating potential variability in acceptance.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI or MSDI; typical use levels suggest a low margin of safety concern.
- Dermal Exposure: Not commonly used in direct skin applications; potential for irritation or sensitization is low.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests limited occupational exposure risk; however, proper ventilation is recommended during handling.
Overall, ethyl thiobutyrate presents a low safety risk when used within typical industry guidelines for both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Ethyl thiobutyrate is valued for its ability to enhance fruit profiles, particularly in tropical and citrus flavors. It synergizes well with other esters and can be used to add complexity to fruit blends. Formulators should be cautious of its sulfurous note, which can become overpowering if used excessively. It is often under-used in fragrance applications, where its fruity character can add a fresh dimension to compositions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on ethyl thiobutyrate is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical use levels. However, regulatory and toxicological data are less comprehensive, reflecting industry-typical practices rather than explicit documentation. Known data gaps include specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological assessments.
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 2026-01-25 04:39:07 GMT (p2)