FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl 2-Furoate (CAS: 614-99-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Ethyl 2-furoate
- IUPAC Name: Ethyl furan-2-carboxylate
- CAS Number: 614-99-3
- FEMA Number: 2440
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
- Molecular Formula: C7H8O3
- Molecular Weight: 140.14 g/mol
Ethyl 2-furoate is characterized by its furan ring, which is crucial for its odor profile. The ester functional group contributes to its fruity and sweet aroma, making it relevant in flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Ethyl 2-furoate is known for its sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of pineapple and strawberry, with a moderate intensity and good diffusion. It is often used as an impact note in flavor compositions, providing a bright, fruity character. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is considered low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Ethyl 2-furoate occurs naturally in various fruits, including strawberries and pineapples. It can form through the esterification of furan-2-carboxylic acid with ethanol, a reaction that can occur during fermentation processes. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in regulatory contexts.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Ethyl 2-furoate is widely used in fruit-flavored products, particularly in strawberry and pineapple profiles. It serves as a key impact note, enhancing the authenticity and brightness of fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering notes. It is stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrances, ethyl 2-furoate is used to impart a fresh, fruity note, often in fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a modifier, enhancing the overall complexity and realism of the fragrance. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.1%, depending on the desired intensity. It contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.
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. 07.008.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved in Japan and China for flavor use; specific ASEAN regulations vary.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, but specific approvals should be verified.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, ethyl 2-furoate is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI established but supported by GRAS status. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with low irritation potential, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Ethyl 2-furoate is valued for its ability to enhance fruit flavors with a natural, sweet character. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate if used excessively, and it is often underutilized in non-fruit applications where it can add unexpected depth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on ethyl 2-furoate is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and regulatory status. However, specific toxicological data, such as ADI, is less documented, relying on industry-typical practices and GRAS status for safety assurance.
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 2026-09-07 07:11:23 GMT (p2)