FlavScents AInsights Entry for 5-Methyl Furfural (CAS: 620-02-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 5-Methyl furfural
• IUPAC Name: 5-Methylfuran-2-carbaldehyde
• CAS Number: 620-02-0
• FEMA Number: 2704
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 13.014
• Molecular Formula: C6H6O2
• Molecular Weight: 110.11 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: 5-Methyl furfural contains a furan ring with an aldehyde group, contributing to its characteristic sweet, caramel-like odor. The methyl group enhances its volatility and diffusion, making it a potent aroma compound.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

5-Methyl furfural is characterized by its sweet, caramel-like odor with nuances of almond and burnt sugar. It is often described as having a moderate to strong intensity and good diffusion properties. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing depth and complexity to sweet and savory profiles. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, its potent aroma suggests a low threshold, making it effective even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

5-Methyl furfural naturally occurs in a variety of foods, particularly those subjected to thermal processing, such as coffee, roasted nuts, and baked goods. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a complex chemical process between amino acids and reducing sugars during heating. This compound is significant in the designation of "natural flavor" due to its presence in many thermally processed foods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

5-Methyl furfural is utilized across various flavor categories, including bakery, confectionery, and beverage applications. It functions as a flavor enhancer, providing caramel and nutty notes that enrich the overall profile. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering or burnt notes. It is generally stable under typical food processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance formulations, 5-methyl furfural is used to impart warm, sweet, and nutty notes, fitting well within gourmand and oriental fragrance families. It acts as a modifier, enhancing the richness and depth of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges are from trace amounts to 0.5% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility allows it to contribute to both the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition.

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 No. 13.014.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals are in place for flavor use, with harmonized assumptions across regions. However, country-specific variability may exist, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 5-methyl furfural is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but implied through GRAS status. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, as per IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility at ambient temperatures, but occupational exposure should be monitored in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

5-Methyl furfural is valued for its ability to impart rich, caramel-like notes that enhance both sweet and savory profiles. It synergizes well with other Maillard reaction products and vanilla-like compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, as overuse can lead to undesirable burnt notes. 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

Data on 5-methyl furfural is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory characteristics and regulatory status. Industry practices are documented, though specific concentration thresholds in various applications may vary. Known data gaps include precise taste and odor thresholds, which are inferred from its potent aroma.

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 2026-01-19 15:58:37 GMT (p2)