FlavScents AInsights Entry for Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide (CAS: 109537-55-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide
• IUPAC Name: 2-(Furan-2-ylmethylsulfanyl)-3-(furan-2-yldisulfanyl)furan
• CAS Number: 109537-55-5
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C12H10O3S2
• Molecular Weight: 266.34 g/mol

Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide is characterized by its disulfide linkage, which is crucial for its odor profile. The presence of furan rings contributes to its unique sensory attributes, often associated with roasted or burnt notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide is known for its potent roasted, sulfurous aroma, reminiscent of coffee and roasted meat. It is often described as having a burnt, smoky character with moderate to high intensity. This compound is typically used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing depth and complexity.

Taste and odor thresholds are not clearly reported, but its strong aroma suggests it is effective at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

This compound is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking process. It is relevant for "natural flavor" designation when derived from natural sources through approved processes.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide is primarily used in savory flavor applications, such as meat, coffee, and roasted nut flavors. It acts as an impact note, enhancing the roasted and smoky characteristics of the flavor profile.

Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. It is relatively stable under heat but may degrade under acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide is used to impart a smoky, roasted note, often in niche or specialty products. It can be found in fragrance families such as gourmand and woody. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations are low, often less than 0.1%, due to its potent aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety guidelines.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring principles.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with local flavoring regulations is advised.
• Latin America: Limited specific data; adherence to MERCOSUR and local regulations is recommended.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for ADI or MSDI; usage should be guided by industry practices and safety assessments.
• Dermal Exposure: Not typically used in direct skin applications; potential for irritation or sensitization is low but should be evaluated in formulations.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with more stringent evaluations typically required for ingestion.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide is valued for its ability to impart a rich, roasted character to flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other Maillard reaction products and can enhance the authenticity of savory profiles. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can easily dominate a blend if overused.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on furfuryl 2-methyl-3-furyl disulfide is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical applications. However, specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry norms and safety assessments.

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 2026-09-11 08:02:25 GMT (p2)