FlavScents AInsights Entry for Furfuryl Thioacetate (CAS: 13678-68-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Furfuryl thioacetate
• IUPAC Name: S-(furan-2-ylmethyl) ethanethioate
• CAS Number: 13678-68-7
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C7H8O2S
• Molecular Weight: 156.20 g/mol

Furfuryl thioacetate is characterized by the presence of a furan ring and a thioacetate group. The furan ring contributes to its aromatic properties, while the thioacetate group is responsible for its sulfurous notes, which are significant in its odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Furfuryl thioacetate is known for its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as having a sweet, nutty, and slightly sulfurous aroma. It can impart a roasted or caramel-like note, making it valuable in creating complex flavor profiles. The intensity of its aroma is moderate, and it is typically used as an impact note in formulations.

Taste and odor thresholds for furfuryl thioacetate are not clearly reported in the literature. However, its sensory role is primarily as a modifier, enhancing the depth and realism of flavor compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Furfuryl thioacetate is not commonly found in nature but can be formed through synthetic pathways. It is often produced via the reaction of furfuryl alcohol with thioacetic acid. This compound is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Furfuryl thioacetate is utilized in various flavor categories, including nut, caramel, and roasted profiles. It serves as a functional component in flavor systems, providing depth and complexity. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not well-documented, but industry practices suggest low ppm levels are common.

Stability considerations include moderate resistance to heat and pH variations, though it may be susceptible to oxidation, which can alter its sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, furfuryl thioacetate is used to add a unique, nutty, and slightly sulfurous note. It is often employed in gourmand and oriental fragrance families. Its functional role can vary from a trace realism enhancer to a more prominent impact note, depending on the formulation.

The compound is typically used in low concentrations due to its potent aroma. It contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition, with moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage in flavors and fragrances may be subject to general safety evaluations.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; usage may rely on general safety assessments.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards; specific listings not found.
• Asia: Limited specific regulatory information available; general safety assessments likely apply.
• Latin America: Specific regulatory status not found; general safety evaluations may be applicable.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Safety data specific to furfuryl thioacetate is limited. For oral exposure, no ADI, TTC, or MSDI values are clearly reported. Dermal exposure considerations, such as irritation or sensitization potential, are not well-documented, and IFRA relevance is not specified. Inhalation exposure data is also lacking, though general occupational safety practices should be followed due to its volatility.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use potentially posing higher dermal exposure risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Furfuryl thioacetate is valued for its ability to impart a roasted, nutty character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other caramel and nutty notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sulfurous note. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle, realistic roasted profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on furfuryl thioacetate is somewhat limited, with well-established sensory profiles but less comprehensive regulatory and safety information. Industry practices often guide its use, though specific documented practices are sparse. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological assessments and specific regulatory listings.

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 (not well-documented, noted as industry-typical)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• Section 5a not applicable as furfuryl thioacetate is a single compound

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 2026-02-26 09:17:23 GMT (p2)