FlavScents AInsights Entry for Buchu Mercaptan (CAS: 38462-22-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Buchu Mercaptan
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methyl-2-propanethiol
• CAS Number: 38462-22-5
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C4H10S
• Molecular Weight: 90.19 g/mol

Buchu mercaptan is a sulfur-containing compound characterized by its thiol functional group. The presence of sulfur is crucial for its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as reminiscent of blackcurrant or cat urine. This compound is a single, discrete chemical entity, and its structure significantly influences its sensory attributes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Buchu mercaptan is known for its potent and distinctive odor, often described as blackcurrant-like, with a sulfurous, catty note. The intensity of its aroma is high, and it is typically used in very low concentrations due to its strong impact. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor and fragrance formulations, providing a unique character that can enhance the perception of fruitiness, particularly in blackcurrant and tropical fruit profiles.

Taste and odor thresholds for buchu mercaptan are not well-documented, but its strong odor suggests a low threshold. It is primarily used as a characterizing note rather than a background or modifier.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Buchu mercaptan is not commonly found in nature but can be a component of certain essential oils, such as buchu oil, derived from the leaves of the Agathosma species. Its formation in natural products is often associated with enzymatic degradation processes or as a byproduct of microbial activity.

In the context of "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations, buchu mercaptan may be considered natural if derived from a natural source, although synthetic production is also common for commercial use.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Buchu mercaptan is primarily used in flavor formulations to impart a blackcurrant or tropical fruit character. It is commonly employed in berry, tropical fruit, and certain alcoholic beverage flavors. The typical use levels in finished food or beverage products are very low, often in the range of 0.1 to 1 ppm, due to its strong odor intensity.

Stability considerations include its sensitivity to oxidation and heat, which can lead to degradation and loss of the desired sensory characteristics. Formulators must consider these factors when incorporating buchu mercaptan into flavor systems.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, buchu mercaptan is used to provide a unique, sulfurous note that can enhance the realism of fruit and green accords. It is typically found in fragrance families such as fruity, green, and fougère. The compound acts as a trace realism enhancer or impact note, often used in minute concentrations due to its potent aroma.

Buchu mercaptan contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance due to its high volatility. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are qualitative, often described as "trace" or "minute amounts."

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Buchu mercaptan does not have a specific FEMA GRAS status but may be used under general flavoring substance guidelines.
• European Union: It is subject to the general provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with no specific FL number assigned.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with EU regulations unless specified otherwise.
• Asia: Regulatory information for Japan, China, and ASEAN countries is limited; formulators should verify local compliance.
• Latin America: Specific regulatory data for Brazil and MERCOSUR countries is not readily available; harmonized assumptions may apply.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, specific ADI, TTC, or MSDI values for buchu mercaptan are not clearly reported. However, its use in flavors is typically at low levels, minimizing potential exposure risks. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications should consider potential irritation or sensitization, although specific IFRA guidelines are not available. Inhalation exposure is relevant due to its volatility, and occupational safety measures should be in place to manage exposure in manufacturing settings.

Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use potentially posing higher dermal exposure risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Buchu mercaptan is valued for its ability to impart a distinctive blackcurrant note, making it a powerful tool in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other fruity and green notes, enhancing the overall complexity and realism of the product. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering sulfurous character, and stability issues related to oxidation. Formulators should carefully balance its concentration to achieve the desired sensory impact without overwhelming the formulation.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on buchu mercaptan is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and general use in flavors and fragrances. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less comprehensive, with industry practices often guiding its application. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological assessments and specific regulatory approvals in certain regions.

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 2026-06-11 11:01:48 GMT (p2)