AInsights Entry for Ethyl 2-Mercaptopropionate (CAS: 19788-49-9)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl 2-sulfanylpropanoate
• CAS Number: 19788-49-9
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C5H10O2S
• Molecular Weight: 134.20 g/mol

Ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate is characterized by the presence of a thiol group, which is crucial for its odor profile. The thiol group contributes to its distinctive sulfurous and fruity aroma, making it relevant in both flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate is known for its potent sulfurous odor with fruity undertones, often described as reminiscent of grapefruit or passion fruit. The intensity of its aroma is high, and it can significantly impact the overall sensory profile of a formulation even at low concentrations. The compound is typically used as an impact note due to its strong and distinctive character.

Taste and odor thresholds for ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate are not clearly reported in the literature. However, its powerful odor suggests that it is effective at very low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate does not have well-documented natural sources and is primarily synthesized for use in flavor and fragrance applications. Its formation is typically achieved through chemical synthesis rather than natural processes, which limits its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance."

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate is utilized in various flavor categories, particularly in fruit flavors such as grapefruit, passion fruit, and other tropical fruits. It serves as an impact note, providing a realistic sulfurous and fruity character to flavor systems.

Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are not explicitly documented. However, industry practice suggests that it is used in trace amounts, often in the range of 0.1 to 1 ppm, due to its high potency. Stability considerations include sensitivity to oxidation, which can alter its sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate is used in trace amounts to impart a unique sulfurous and fruity note. It is often found in citrus and tropical fragrance families, contributing to the top notes due to its volatility.

Typical concentration ranges are not well-documented, but it is generally used at very low levels to avoid overpowering the fragrance composition. Its role is primarily as a modifier or impact note, enhancing the realism of fruity accords.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate does not have a specific FEMA GRAS status.
• European Union: Not explicitly listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status not available.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulatory alignment with the EU is assumed, but specific divergence is not documented.
• Asia: Regulatory status in Japan, China, and ASEAN countries is not clearly reported.
• Latin America: Specific regulatory information for Brazil and MERCOSUR is not available.

Overall, the regulatory status of ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate is not well-defined, and formulators should verify compliance with local regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data on acceptable daily intake (ADI) or threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) for ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate is not found. Margin of safety should be assessed based on industry-typical use levels.
• Dermal Exposure: Information on irritation or sensitization potential is not clearly reported. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance applications.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but specific occupational safety data is not available.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use potentially requiring more stringent safety assessments due to dermal and inhalation exposure routes.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate is valued for its ability to impart a distinctive sulfurous and fruity note, enhancing the realism of fruit flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and citrus notes but can be overpowering if used excessively. Formulators should be cautious of its high potency and potential for oxidation, which can alter its sensory characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl 2-mercaptopropionate is limited, with many aspects relying on industry-typical practices rather than well-documented studies. Regulatory ambiguities and lack of specific toxicological data highlight the need for careful consideration in formulation and compliance verification.

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 06:34:29 GMT (p2)