(+/-)-2-methyltetrahydrofuran-3-thiol Acetate

(+/-)-2-methyltetrahydrofuran-3-thiol Acetate (CAS Number: 252736-41-7) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the class of sulfur-containing flavor compounds. Its chemical structure consists of a tetrahydrofuran ring—a five-membered oxygen-containing ring—with a methyl group, a thiol (sulfur-containing) group, and an acetate ester moiety. The racemic form (indicated by the +/- prefix) means the compound exists as a mixture of two mirror-image molecular configurations.

This additive is classified primarily as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant, meaning it is used to enhance, modify, or create specific taste profiles in food products.

Flavoring compounds containing thiol groups are typically used in the food industry to create savory, meaty, roasted, or umami-like sensory notes. These compounds are valued in processed foods such as soups, broths, meat analogs, snack foods, seasonings, and savory beverages. The specific organoleptic profile of this compound suggests potential applications in foods designed to mimic natural meat flavors or enhance savory characteristics.

However, due to its non-GRAS status in the United States, its actual use in food products is limited or may be restricted to specific regulatory approvals in other jurisdictions.

According to FDA records, there are zero reported adverse events and zero recalls associated with (+/-)-2-methyltetrahydrofuran-3-thiol Acetate. This absence of reported incidents suggests either minimal market presence, limited consumption, or no apparent safety signals in available databases.

The lack of GRAS status indicates that the compound has not undergone the standard FDA GRAS determination process, which requires substantial evidence of safety based on scientific procedures or a history of safe use. GRAS status is not a legal requirement for all food additives—additives may be approved through other pathways such as food additive petitions—but the absence of this designation means the compound's safety profile has not been formally recognized through this particular regulatory mechanism.

Thiol-containing compounds generally have low acute toxicity, though some may cause sensory irritation at high concentrations. The acetate ester modification is a common food chemistry approach that typically improves stability and modulates sensory properties.

In the United States, this compound is not on the FDA's GRAS list and does not appear to have an approved food additive petition as of available records. This means its use in food is either prohibited or highly restricted in the U.S. market without specific FDA authorization.

Regulatory status may differ significantly in other jurisdictions. The European Union, for example, maintains separate approval processes through EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), and some flavor compounds approved in one region may not be approved in another. Japan, China, and other regions may have independent approval statuses.

Any manufacturer seeking to use this compound in food products would need to pursue appropriate regulatory approval in their target markets.

Published scientific literature on (+/-)-2-methyltetrahydrofuran-3-thiol Acetate appears limited. The compound is referenced primarily in fragrance and flavor chemistry databases and patent literature, suggesting it may be utilized more in non-food applications or represents a specialized ingredient with niche applications.

Toxicological data specific to this exact compound appears sparse in publicly available sources. Safety assessments for structurally similar sulfur-containing flavor compounds indicate generally low toxicity profiles, but substance-specific safety data would be necessary for regulatory approval.

Any organization considering use of this compound should consult current regulatory databases, conduct or review appropriate toxicology studies, and pursue formal regulatory approval processes in their jurisdiction.