FlavScents AInsights Entry for Methional (CAS: 3268-49-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methional
• IUPAC Name: 3-(Methylthio)propanal
• CAS Number: 3268-49-3
• FEMA Number: 2745
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 12.165
• Molecular Formula: C4H8OS
• Molecular Weight: 104.17 g/mol

Methional is characterized by the presence of a thioether group and an aldehyde group, which are crucial for its sensory properties. The thioether group contributes to its sulfurous note, while the aldehyde group is responsible for its reactivity and volatility, influencing its odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methional is known for its potent odor, often described as cooked potato, boiled potato, or earthy. It has a strong, sulfurous character with a moderate diffusion. The taste and odor thresholds are relatively low, making it an impactful note even at minimal concentrations. Methional is typically used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing authenticity and depth to savory profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methional naturally occurs in various foods, particularly in cooked potatoes and other heat-processed foods. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs during cooking. This reaction is crucial for the development of complex flavors in cooked foods, making methional a significant component in natural flavor designations.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Methional is extensively used in savory flavor applications, including soups, sauces, and snack foods. It serves as a key component in flavor systems, providing a realistic cooked potato note. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product matrix. Methional is relatively stable under typical processing conditions but can degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, methional is used to impart a fresh, earthy note, often in green or herbal fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, enhancing the realism of natural accords. Concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are typically low, often below 0.1%, due to its potent odor. Methional contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Methional is FEMA GRAS approved for flavor use.
• European Union: Listed under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 12.165.
• United Kingdom: Regulatory status aligns with EU post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific regulations varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally recognized as safe, but specific approvals may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, methional is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrances is limited due to potential irritation, and IFRA guidelines should be consulted. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be in place during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Methional is valued for its ability to impart a realistic cooked note, making it indispensable in savory applications. It synergizes well with other sulfur compounds and umami enhancers. Formulators should be cautious of its potent odor, which can easily dominate a blend if overused. It is often underutilized in complex flavor systems where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on methional is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some variability in natural occurrence data may exist due to differences in food processing methods.

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 2026-04-27 05:59:42 GMT (p2)