FlavScents AInsights Entry for Strawberry Furanone Acetate (CAS: 4166-20-5)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Strawberry furanone acetate
- IUPAC Name: 4-Methoxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone acetate
- CAS Number: 4166-20-5
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not available
- Molecular Formula: C9H12O4
- Molecular Weight: 184.19 g/mol
Strawberry furanone acetate is characterized by its furanone core, which is crucial for its odor profile. The acetate group contributes to its ester-like, fruity aroma, enhancing its relevance in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Strawberry furanone acetate is known for its sweet, fruity, and strawberry-like aroma, often described as having a creamy and slightly caramelized note. It is typically used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a strong, recognizable strawberry character. The compound's odor threshold is not well-documented, but it is generally considered to have a moderate to high intensity and good diffusion properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Strawberry furanone acetate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical pathways involving the esterification of furanone derivatives. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin. However, its sensory profile closely mimics that of natural strawberry aromas, making it valuable in flavor applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Strawberry furanone acetate is primarily used in fruit-flavored products, especially those mimicking strawberry. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the authenticity and intensity of strawberry flavors in candies, beverages, and dairy products. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially used in more concentrated flavor bases. The compound is relatively stable under typical food 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, strawberry furanone acetate is used to impart a fruity, sweet note, often in fruity or gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a modifier or impact note, contributing to the top and middle notes of a fragrance composition. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations are low, often less than 1%, due to its potent aroma. Its volatility allows it to contribute to the initial impression of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; usage in flavors 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; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia: Limited specific data; general compliance with local flavoring regulations is advised.
- Latin America: No specific data; general compliance with MERCOSUR or local regulations is recommended.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI available; usage should be guided by general safety assessments and industry practices.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; IFRA guidelines should be consulted for fragrance use.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with oral exposure being more relevant for flavor use and dermal/inhalation exposure for fragrance use.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Strawberry furanone acetate is valued for its ability to impart a strong, authentic strawberry aroma. It synergizes well with other fruity and creamy notes, enhancing the overall profile of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is often underutilized in complex flavor systems where subtlety is required.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on strawberry furanone acetate is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and general usage guidelines. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are limited, necessitating reliance on industry-typical practices and safety assessments.
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 2026-07-13 14:05:58 GMT (p2)