FlavScents AInsights Entry for Furfural (CAS: 98-01-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Furfural
• IUPAC Name: Furan-2-carbaldehyde
• CAS Number: 98-01-1
• FEMA Number: 2489
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 13.018
• Molecular Formula: C5H4O2
• Molecular Weight: 96.08 g/mol

Furfural is an organic compound belonging to the aldehyde family, characterized by a furan ring with an aldehyde group. Its structure contributes to its distinctive almond-like odor, which is significant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Furfural is known for its sweet, almond-like odor with nuances of bread and caramel. It is often described as having a warm, nutty character with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing depth and complexity. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not universally documented, furfural is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Furfural naturally occurs in various agricultural byproducts, such as oat and wheat bran, and is formed through the dehydration of pentoses, typically during the Maillard reaction or thermal degradation of biomass. Its presence in natural products allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" under certain regulatory frameworks.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Furfural is utilized across multiple flavor categories, including bakery, nut, and caramel profiles. It acts as a functional component in flavor systems, enhancing the authenticity and richness of the overall profile. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering notes. Furfural is relatively stable under heat but may degrade under acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance formulations, furfural is employed in various families, such as gourmand and oriental, where it contributes as a trace realism enhancer or a modifier. It is typically used in concentrations ranging from trace amounts to 0.5% in finished products. Furfural's volatility places it in the top to middle notes, providing a warm, inviting aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific guidelines in Brazil and MERCOSUR.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are prevalent, though country-specific variability may exist.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, furfural's ADI is not explicitly defined, but it is considered safe at typical flavor use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications may pose irritation or sensitization risks, necessitating adherence to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to its moderate volatility, though occupational safety measures should be observed.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Furfural is valued for its ability to impart a warm, nutty character to formulations. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and caramel notes, enhancing complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can easily dominate if overused. It is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can add depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on furfural is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, though some undocumented uses may exist. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with clear guidelines provided by major authorities.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• [x] All required sections 1-9 are present
• [x] "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• [x] Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• [x] Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• [x] Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• [x] 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 2026-01-21 11:06:46 GMT (p2)