# 2-ethylthiophenol

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-ethylthiophenol.md

**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 4500-58-7
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

2-ethylthiophenol is an organosulfur compound used as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer in food products. It provides savory, meaty, and sulfurous notes to various food applications.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is 2-ethylthiophenol?

2-ethylthiophenol (CAS Number: 4500-58-7) is an organosulfur aromatic compound belonging to the thiophenol family. It consists of a benzene ring with an ethyl group and a thiol (sulfhydryl) functional group attached. The compound is classified as a flavoring agent and flavor enhancer used in the food industry to create or augment specific taste profiles in food and beverage products.

## Common Uses

2-ethylthiophenol is employed primarily in the flavor industry to provide savory, meaty, and roasted characteristics to food products. Its applications include:

- Savory snack seasonings
- Meat and broth flavorings
- Processed food flavoring systems
- Condiments and sauces
- Cooked meat flavor enhancement

As a flavor compound, it is typically used in very small concentrations (parts per million levels) to achieve desired sensory effects. The sulfurous character of thiophenols makes them valuable for creating authentic meat-like and umami-forward flavor profiles in plant-based and conventional food applications.

## Safety Assessment

2-ethylthiophenol has not received FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status. However, this designation should not be interpreted as an indication of unsafety. GRAS status represents formal FDA recognition through either an approved petition or expert consensus panel evaluation. The absence of GRAS status may reflect limited formal petition submissions rather than safety concerns.

According to FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events associated with 2-ethylthiophenol and zero product recalls linked to this substance. This absence of incident reports suggests no identified safety issues in actual food use.

Like other thiophenol-based flavorings, 2-ethylthiophenol undergoes evaluation based on:

- Chemical structure and metabolic fate
- Historical use patterns and consumption levels
- Toxicological data from relevant studies
- Typical exposure levels in food applications

The extremely low concentrations at which flavoring compounds are used substantially reduces potential exposure concerns.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, 2-ethylthiophenol is not formally listed as GRAS by the FDA. However, it may be used as a flavoring ingredient under FDA regulations if it complies with food additive regulations and is manufactured according to current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).

The European Union's approach to flavorings is governed by Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. Individual thiophenol-based compounds have varying regulatory statuses depending on the specific jurisdiction and evaluation pathway.

Manufacturers seeking to use 2-ethylthiophenol in food products should confirm compliance with applicable regulations in their target markets and maintain appropriate documentation regarding the identity, purity, and specifications of their flavoring ingredients.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature on 2-ethylthiophenol specifically is limited compared to extensively studied flavorings. Safety evaluations for thiophenol-class compounds generally rely on:

- Chemical structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis
- Comparative toxicology data from similar sulfur-containing aromatic compounds
- Metabolism studies indicating efficient biotransformation
- Historical use data in food flavoring applications

The flavor industry conducts safety assessments through organizations like the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA), which evaluates flavor chemical safety using established guidelines. Thiophenol derivatives have been used in food flavoring for decades, with safety profiles generally supporting their continued use at appropriate levels.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "2-ethylthiophenol — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-ethylthiophenol. Accessed 2026-05-19.