FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Acetyl Thiazole (CAS: 24295-03-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Acetyl Thiazole
• IUPAC Name: 1-(1,3-Thiazol-2-yl)ethanone
• CAS Number: 24295-03-2
• FEMA Number: 3329
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 15.011
• Molecular Formula: C5H5NOS
• Molecular Weight: 127.16 g/mol

2-Acetyl thiazole is characterized by its thiazole ring, which is crucial for its distinctive odor profile. The acetyl group contributes to its volatility and sensory impact, making it a valuable compound in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Acetyl thiazole is renowned for its potent, nutty, and popcorn-like aroma, often described as roasted or toasted. It exhibits a strong, diffusive character that can dominate at higher concentrations. The compound is typically used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a realistic roasted or cooked note. Its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Acetyl thiazole naturally occurs in various roasted and cooked foods, such as coffee, popcorn, and roasted meats. It is primarily formed through the Maillard reaction, a complex chemical process that occurs between amino acids and reducing sugars during cooking. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in food products due to its presence in naturally cooked foods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Acetyl thiazole is widely used in savory flavor applications, including meat, poultry, and snack foods, to impart a roasted or cooked note. It serves as an impact compound in flavor systems, often used at low concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products. Its stability under heat makes it suitable for cooked and baked goods, although it may degrade under highly acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrances, 2-acetyl thiazole is used to add a warm, nutty, and roasted character, often in gourmand or oriental fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or trace realism note, typically used in very low concentrations due to its potent aroma. Its volatility places it in the top to 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. 15.011.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals exist in major markets, though some variability in usage levels and restrictions may occur.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-acetyl thiazole is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with a high margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally low risk, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility at typical use levels, but occupational exposure should be monitored in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

2-Acetyl thiazole is valued for its ability to impart a realistic roasted note, enhancing the authenticity of savory flavors. It synergizes well with other Maillard reaction products and can be overused, leading to an overpowering aroma. Formulators should balance its use to avoid masking other flavor components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on 2-acetyl thiazole is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification.

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 2026-08-31 10:38:17 GMT (p2)