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

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Furfural, also known as 2-furaldehyde, is a heterocyclic aldehyde with the molecular formula C5H4O2 and a molecular weight of 96.08 g/mol. It is identified by the CAS number 98-01-1 and has a FEMA number of 2489. Furfural is characterized by its furan ring, which contributes to its distinct odor profile. The presence of the aldehyde group is significant for its reactivity and sensory attributes, often imparting a sweet, almond-like aroma.

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 moderate to strong intensity and is used as an impact note in flavor compositions. The odor threshold of furfural is relatively low, allowing it to be perceived at minimal concentrations, making it effective in adding depth and complexity to flavor profiles.

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, primarily xylose, during the Maillard reaction. This reaction is common in the processing of foods, contributing to the flavor and aroma of baked goods and roasted coffee. 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 in a wide range of flavor categories, including bakery, nut, and caramel flavors. It serves as a key impact note, providing authenticity and depth to flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor profiles. Furfural is relatively stable under heat but can be susceptible to oxidation, which formulators must consider during product development.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, furfural is employed in various fragrance families, such as gourmand and oriental, where it acts as a modifier and impact note. It is typically used in trace amounts to enhance the realism of fragrance compositions. Furfural 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)

In the United States, furfural is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. The European Union lists it under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. Post-Brexit, the UK aligns with EU regulations. In Asia, furfural is accepted in Japan and China, though specific limits may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil follow MERCOSUR guidelines, which generally harmonize with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Furfural's safety profile varies with exposure routes. Orally, it is considered safe within established ADI levels, though specific values are not clearly reported. Dermal exposure in fragrances is limited by IFRA due to potential sensitization risks. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk in consumer products but requires caution in occupational settings due to volatility. The risk profiles differ slightly between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent controls in place for dermal exposure.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Furfural is valued for its ability to impart a rich, authentic character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and caramel notes. Formulators should be cautious of its oxidation potential and ensure proper storage conditions. It is often under-used in low concentrations, where its impact can be most effectively leveraged.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on furfural is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps include specific numeric safety thresholds, which are often addressed through industry-typical practices.

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 2026-08-25 13:19:55 GMT (p2)