FlavScents AInsights Entry for Maple Furanone (CAS: 698-10-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Maple Furanone
• IUPAC Name: 4-Hydroxy-5-methylfuran-3(2H)-one
• CAS Number: 698-10-2
• FEMA Number: 3144
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C5H6O3
• Molecular Weight: 114.10 g/mol

Maple furanone is characterized by its furanone ring, which contributes to its sweet, caramel-like aroma. The presence of a hydroxyl group enhances its solubility in water, making it versatile in both aqueous and non-aqueous systems. Its structure is crucial for its odor profile, providing a distinctive maple syrup-like scent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Maple furanone is renowned for its sweet, caramel, and maple syrup-like aroma, often described as warm and inviting. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as both an impact note and a background enhancer in formulations. The taste threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable flavor even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Maple furanone naturally occurs in a variety of foods, including maple syrup, coffee, and roasted nuts. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the heating of foods. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in food products due to its occurrence in nature.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Maple furanone is extensively used in flavor applications, particularly in bakery, confectionery, and dairy products. It serves as a key component in creating maple, caramel, and brown sugar flavors. Typical use levels range from 1 to 20 ppm in finished products, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor profiles. It is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, maple furanone is utilized in gourmand and sweet fragrance families. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing warmth and depth. Concentration levels in fragrances are typically low, often less than 1%, due to its potent aroma. It contributes primarily to the middle notes, offering a lasting sweet scent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, maple furanone is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. The European Union lists it under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. In the UK, post-Brexit regulations align closely with the EU standards. In Asia, including Japan and China, it is approved for use in food flavors, though specific concentration limits may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil follow MERCOSUR guidelines, which generally align with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, maple furanone is considered safe within the typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not explicitly defined but deemed low risk. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should still follow standard safety protocols. The risk profile does not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Maple furanone is valued for its ability to impart a rich, sweet aroma and flavor reminiscent of maple syrup. It synergizes well with vanilla, caramel, and nutty notes, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as its potent aroma can dominate blends. It is often under-utilized in savory applications, where it can add depth and complexity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on maple furanone is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the confidence in the data quality is high, with minimal gaps.

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 2026-07-09 18:12:52 GMT (p2)