FlavScents AInsights Entry for Methyl Furoate (CAS: 1334-76-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methyl furoate
• IUPAC Name: Methyl furan-2-carboxylate
• CAS Number: 1334-76-5
• FEMA Number: 2715
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.017
• Molecular Formula: C6H6O3
• Molecular Weight: 126.11 g/mol

Methyl furoate is characterized by its ester functional group, which contributes to its fruity and sweet odor profile. The furan ring in its structure is significant for its odor characteristics, providing a unique aromatic quality that is often utilized in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methyl furoate is known for its sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of strawberries and other red fruits. It has a moderate intensity and is often used as an impact note in flavor compositions. The compound's diffusion is considered moderate, making it suitable for both top and middle notes in fragrance applications. Specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its sensory role is primarily as a modifier and enhancer of fruity profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methyl furoate naturally occurs in various fruits, including strawberries and raspberries. It can also be formed through the esterification of furoic acid with methanol. This compound is relevant for "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural sources, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients in food and fragrance products.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Methyl furoate is commonly used in fruit-flavored products, particularly those mimicking strawberry, raspberry, and other red fruits. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing the authenticity and depth of fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect. It is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, methyl furoate is utilized in fruity and floral compositions, contributing to the top and middle notes. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing a sweet, fruity aroma that enhances the overall fragrance profile. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility is moderate, making it suitable for both immediate and lingering scent effects.

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 09.017.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions across the region.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, methyl furoate is considered safe within the typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance use shows low irritation potential, with no significant sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Methyl furoate is valued for its ability to enhance and modify fruity profiles, providing a sweet, authentic aroma. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, but care should be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an artificial or cloying effect. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its subtlety can add depth without overpowering other notes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on methyl furoate is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and regulatory status. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific sensory thresholds and detailed toxicological data may be less comprehensive. Known data gaps include precise taste and odor thresholds, which formulators should verify through empirical testing.

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 2026-03-16 14:52:06 GMT (p2)