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: 3188
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 13.018
• Molecular Formula: C5H6O3
• Molecular Weight: 114.10 g/mol

Maple furanone is a single chemical compound characterized by its furanone ring, which contributes to its sweet, caramel-like aroma. The presence of hydroxyl and methyl groups influences its odor profile, making it a valuable component in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Maple furanone is known for its sweet, caramel-like odor with nuances of maple syrup and burnt sugar. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity with good diffusion properties. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor systems, providing a rich, sweet background that enhances the overall sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Maple furanone is naturally found in a variety of foods, including coffee, maple syrup, and certain fruits. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during the cooking process. This compound is often used to impart a "natural flavor" designation in food products due to its occurrence in natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Maple furanone is extensively used in flavor formulations, particularly in bakery, confectionery, and dairy products. It functions as a flavor enhancer, providing depth and sweetness to the overall profile. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in applications requiring a pronounced maple or caramel note. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions, though it may degrade at high temperatures or extreme pH levels.

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, adding warmth and sweetness to compositions. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility allows it to contribute to both 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: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 13.018.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are in place, though some variability exists in concentration limits across regions.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, maple furanone is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, though occupational exposure should be monitored. Risk profiles are consistent across 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 character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with vanilla, chocolate, and nutty notes. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering sweetness. 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.

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

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 2026-01-20 21:16:03 GMT (p2)