FlavScents AInsights Entry for Furfuryl Acetate (CAS: 623-17-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Furfuryl acetate is a chemical compound commonly used in the flavor and fragrance industry. Its IUPAC name is 2-furylmethyl acetate, and it is identified by the CAS number 623-17-6. The FEMA number for furfuryl acetate is 2489. Other identifiers include its FL number 09.034 and CoE number 117. The molecular formula of furfuryl acetate is C7H8O3, and it has a molecular weight of 140.14 g/mol. This compound features an ester functional group, which is significant for its characteristic fruity and sweet odor profile. The presence of the furan ring contributes to its unique sensory attributes, making it a valuable component in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Furfuryl acetate is known for its pleasant, fruity aroma reminiscent of sweet, ripe fruits, often described as having a pineapple or pear-like character. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as both an impact note and a background enhancer in complex formulations. The taste and odor thresholds for furfuryl acetate are not clearly reported in the literature, but it is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent sensory impact. Its role in formulations often involves adding depth and realism to fruit flavors or providing a sweet, ester-like note in fragrance compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Furfuryl acetate occurs naturally in various fruits and is a product of the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking process. This reaction is responsible for the formation of many flavor compounds, including furfuryl acetate, which contributes to the complex aroma profiles of cooked and baked goods. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts, depending on its method of extraction and use.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, furfuryl acetate is used across various categories, including fruit, confectionery, and bakery flavors. It serves as a functional component that enhances the fruity and sweet notes of formulations. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. Stability considerations include its moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, although it may be susceptible to oxidation over time, which can alter its sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Furfuryl acetate is utilized in fragrance formulations, particularly within fruity and floral fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, providing a sweet, fruity aroma that enhances the overall scent profile. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are qualitative, often used in trace amounts to achieve the desired olfactory effect. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, furfuryl acetate 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, maintaining alignment with EU standards. In Asia, regulatory status varies, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for flavor and fragrance materials. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often harmonized with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Furfuryl acetate's safety profile is generally favorable, with low toxicity reported in typical use concentrations. For oral exposure, it is considered safe within the established ADI (Acceptable Daily Intake) levels, although specific values are not clearly reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, as supported by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure considerations are minimal due to its low volatility and typical use in trace amounts. Overall, 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 acetate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering effect. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its subtlety can add depth and realism without dominating the profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on furfuryl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although some specific numeric values, such as taste and odor thresholds, are not clearly reported. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies, which are limited but generally indicate a favorable safety profile.

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 2026-04-14 17:57:01 GMT (p2)