FlavScents AInsights Entry: Furfuryl Butyrate (CAS: 623-21-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Furfuryl butyrate
• IUPAC Name: Furan-2-ylmethyl butanoate
• CAS Number: 623-21-2
• FEMA Number: 2486
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C9H12O3
• Molecular Weight: 168.19 g/mol

Furfuryl butyrate is an ester compound characterized by the presence of a furan ring and a butyrate group. The furan ring contributes to its unique odor profile, often associated with sweet, fruity, and caramel-like notes. The ester linkage is crucial for its volatility and sensory impact, making it a valuable component in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Furfuryl butyrate is known for its sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of pineapple and caramel. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as an impact note in various formulations. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable sensory effects even at minimal concentrations. It is often used to enhance the realism of fruit flavors or to add a sweet, creamy background note.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Furfuryl butyrate occurs naturally in certain fruits, contributing to their characteristic aroma profiles. It can be formed through the esterification of furfuryl alcohol with butyric acid, a reaction that can occur during the processing of food products. Its presence in natural sources supports its designation as a "natural flavor" in regulatory contexts, provided it is derived from natural processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Furfuryl butyrate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit and confectionery categories. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the authenticity of pineapple, apple, and other fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor profiles. The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions, although it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, furfuryl butyrate is utilized for its sweet, fruity aroma, fitting well within fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a modifier, adding depth and complexity to compositions. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance.

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: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits in certain applications.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Furfuryl butyrate is widely approved for use in both flavor and fragrance applications, with harmonized regulations across major markets. However, formulators should verify specific regional requirements to ensure compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Furfuryl butyrate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by its GRAS status, with no adverse effects reported at standard use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Furfuryl butyrate 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 overall complexity and appeal. Formulators should be mindful of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can add unexpected depth and sweetness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on furfuryl butyrate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although specific use levels may vary by application. Known data gaps are minimal, with ongoing research focused on expanding its applications and understanding its interactions in complex formulations.

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 2026-09-02 14:08:20 GMT (p2)