FlavScents AInsights Entry: Acetyl Methyl Disulfide (CAS: 5813-72-9)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Acetyl methyl disulfide
- IUPAC Name: 1-(methylsulfanyl)ethan-1-one
- CAS Number: 5813-72-9
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
- Molecular Formula: C3H6OS2
- Molecular Weight: 122.21 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Acetyl methyl disulfide contains a thioether group, which is significant for its sulfurous odor profile. The presence of sulfur atoms contributes to its potent and distinctive aroma, often associated with savory and umami notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Acetyl methyl disulfide is characterized by a strong, sulfurous odor reminiscent of cooked onions or garlic. It is often described as having a savory, meaty, and slightly sweet aroma.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is known to be potent at low concentrations.
- Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing depth and authenticity to savory profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Acetyl methyl disulfide is found naturally in cooked foods, particularly those involving the Maillard reaction, such as roasted meats and certain vegetables.
- Formation Pathways: It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs upon heating.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Its presence in naturally cooked foods supports its use in natural flavor formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Acetyl methyl disulfide is used in savory flavor applications, including meat, poultry, and vegetable flavors.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: It acts as a key impact compound, enhancing umami and savory notes.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished food products, with industry-typical levels around 1 ppm.
- Stability Considerations: It is relatively stable under typical cooking conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or prolonged exposure to air.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Acetyl methyl disulfide is less commonly used in fragrances but may be found in niche products requiring a savory or umami note.
- Functional Role: It serves as a trace realism enhancer or modifier in complex fragrance compositions.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used at trace levels due to its potent odor.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It contributes primarily to the top notes due to its high volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not specifically listed under EU flavoring regulations.
- United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): High-level regulatory information not clearly reported.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values. Generally considered safe at low concentrations typical in food.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data available; potential for irritation or sensitization is low at typical use levels.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure, but occupational risks are minimal under standard use conditions.
- Risk Profiles: No significant differences in risk profiles between food and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Acetyl methyl disulfide is prized for its ability to impart authentic savory notes, enhancing the umami profile of formulations.
- Typical Synergies: Works well with other sulfur-containing compounds and umami enhancers like monosodium glutamate.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering sulfurous note; careful balancing is required.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in vegetarian formulations where meat-like authenticity is desired.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Sensory characteristics and natural occurrence are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use levels and synergies are based on industry norms.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited.
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 2026-04-23 07:10:18 GMT (p2)