FlavScents AInsights Entry: Raspberry Ketone Methyl Ether (CAS: 104-20-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Raspberry Ketone Methyl Ether
• IUPAC Name: 4-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one methyl ether
• CAS Number: 104-20-1
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: FL Number not available; CoE Number not available; IFRA reference not available
• Molecular Formula: C11H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 178.23 g/mol

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is a single chemical compound characterized by its aromatic ether functional group. The presence of the ether linkage contributes to its distinct olfactory properties, which are crucial for its application in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is known for its sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of raspberries, with a floral nuance. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The compound's odor threshold is not clearly reported, but it is typically used to impart a realistic raspberry character in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical pathways involving the methylation of raspberry ketone. It is not typically classified under "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations due to its synthetic origin.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is primarily used in fruit-flavored applications, particularly those mimicking raspberry, strawberry, and other berry profiles. It serves as an impact note, 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. The compound is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, raspberry ketone methyl ether is utilized in fruity and floral compositions, contributing to the top and middle notes. It acts as a modifier, enhancing the freshness and sweetness of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges are from trace amounts up to 0.5% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to blend well with other fragrance components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage should comply with general safety standards.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage should align with general flavoring guidelines.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with local flavor and fragrance regulations is advised.
• Latin America: No specific listings; adherence to regional safety and usage guidelines is recommended.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

• Oral Exposure: Data not found for specific ADI or MSDI values; formulators should ensure usage levels are within industry-typical ranges to maintain safety.
• Dermal Exposure: No specific IFRA restrictions reported; general safety practices should be followed to avoid irritation or sensitization.
• Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.

Risk profiles do not significantly differ between food and fragrance applications, provided usage levels are controlled.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Raspberry ketone methyl ether is valued for its ability to impart a realistic raspberry note, enhancing both flavor and fragrance profiles. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral compounds, but care should be taken to avoid overuse, which can lead to an artificial or cloying effect. Formulators often underutilize this compound in complex blends, where its impact can be subtly appreciated.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on raspberry ketone methyl ether is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical usage levels. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and general safety guidelines.

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 2026-01-26 18:12:32 GMT (p2)