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
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Strawberry furanone acetate contains a furanone ring, which is crucial for its characteristic sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of strawberries. The acetate group contributes to its volatility and diffusion properties, enhancing its impact in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Strawberry furanone acetate is characterized by a sweet, fruity aroma with notes of strawberry and caramel. It has a moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for both flavor and fragrance applications.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported, but it is known to be effective at low concentrations due to its potent aroma.
- Typical Sensory Role: It serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a realistic strawberry character. In fragrances, it acts as a modifier, enhancing the fruity aspects of a composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Strawberry furanone acetate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through chemical processes.
- Formation Pathways: It can be formed through the esterification of 4-methoxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone with acetic acid.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin, it may not qualify for "natural" labeling unless derived from natural precursors through approved processes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Widely used in fruit flavors, particularly strawberry, as well as in confectionery, beverages, and dairy products.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: Acts as a key impact note, providing authenticity and depth to strawberry and other fruit flavors.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels range from 0.1 to 5 ppm in finished products, with industry-typical levels around 1 ppm.
- Stability Considerations: It is relatively stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or alkaline conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Commonly used in fruity and gourmand fragrance families, suitable for personal care products, air fresheners, and candles.
- Functional Role: Provides trace realism and acts as a modifier to enhance fruity notes.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Used at concentrations of 0.01% to 0.1% in fragrance formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: It contributes primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS by FEMA.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not specifically listed; use may be subject to general flavoring regulations.
- United Kingdom (Post-Brexit Alignment or Divergence): Follows EU regulations unless specified otherwise.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Regulatory status not clearly reported; typically follows international guidelines.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): No specific data available; generally aligns with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values found; generally considered safe at typical use levels in food.
- Dermal Exposure: Limited data on irritation or sensitization; formulators should follow IFRA guidelines for fragrance use.
- Inhalation Exposure: Volatility suggests potential for inhalation exposure; occupational safety measures should be considered in manufacturing settings.
- Risk Profiles: Generally similar for food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Offers a potent and authentic strawberry aroma, enhancing both flavor and fragrance products.
- Typical Synergies: Pairs well with other fruity esters and lactones to create complex fruit profiles.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma; balance with other notes is crucial.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used in complex formulations where its impact can be diluted by other strong notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Sensory characteristics and typical use levels are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Some use levels and regulatory interpretations may vary by region and are not always explicitly documented.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data are limited, requiring careful consideration by formulators.
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 08:03:50 GMT (p2)