FlavScents AInsights Entry: Strawberry Furanone (CAS: 3658-77-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Strawberry Furanone
• IUPAC Name: 4-Methoxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone
• CAS Number: 3658-77-3
• FEMA Number: 2360
• Other Identifiers: FL number 07.008
• Molecular Formula: C7H10O3
• Molecular Weight: 142.15 g/mol

Strawberry furanone is a single chemical compound characterized by its furanone core, which contributes to its sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of strawberries. The presence of methoxy and methyl groups enhances its odor profile, making it a valuable component in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Strawberry furanone is renowned for its sweet, fruity, and caramel-like aroma, often described as reminiscent of strawberries and cotton candy. It exhibits moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable as an impact note in flavor compositions. The compound's taste threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable flavor even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Strawberry furanone naturally occurs in strawberries and other fruits, contributing to their characteristic aroma. It is formed through the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars, which occurs during the ripening of fruits and cooking processes. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in food products due to its presence in natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Strawberry furanone is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit, confectionery, and dairy products. It serves as an impact note, providing a sweet, fruity character that enhances the overall flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. The compound is stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade at high temperatures or extreme pH levels.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, strawberry furanone is utilized in fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a modifier, adding sweetness and depth to compositions. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from trace amounts to 0.5%, depending on the desired effect. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance.

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 07.008.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are prevalent, though some country-specific variability exists.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, strawberry furanone is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a wide margin of safety. 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, but occupational safety measures should be observed in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Strawberry furanone is valued for its ability to impart a natural, sweet, and fruity aroma, making it a staple in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other fruity and sweet notes, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an artificial taste or scent. It is often underutilized in savory applications, where it can add unexpected depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on strawberry furanone is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some undocumented practices exist. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with clear guidelines provided by major regulatory bodies.

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 2026-08-26 05:06:16 GMT (p2)