# 3-mercapto-3-methylbutyl Formate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 50746-10-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

3-mercapto-3-methylbutyl formate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity and tropical taste notes in food and beverage products. It is not approved as a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) substance by the FDA but has no reported adverse events or recalls.

## 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 3-mercapto-3-methylbutyl Formate?

3-mercapto-3-methylbutyl formate (CAS Number 50746-10-6) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the formate ester class of flavor chemicals. It is characterized by a sulfur-containing molecular structure that contributes distinctive aromatic properties. The compound is manufactured through chemical synthesis and is used exclusively as a flavoring agent in processed foods and beverages. Its chemical structure combines a mercapto (thiol) functional group with a formate ester moiety, which together create specific sensory characteristics valued in flavor formulation.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is primarily used in the food and beverage industry to create fruity, tropical, and slightly sulfurous taste profiles. It typically appears in small quantities in products such as beverages, confectionery, baked goods, and savory snack foods. Like most synthetic flavor compounds, it is used at very low concentrations (measured in parts per million) to achieve the desired sensory effect. The compound is particularly valued for its ability to enhance or mimic natural fruit flavors and may be used in combination with other flavor chemicals to create complex flavor profiles.

## Safety Assessment

The FDA has not granted 3-mercapto-3-methylbutyl formate GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status, meaning it does not meet the regulatory criteria for this classification in the United States. However, this designation does not indicate that the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that sufficient safety data demonstrating GRAS status has not been submitted to or accepted by the FDA. The compound has generated zero reported adverse events in the FDA's adverse events reporting system and has no associated product recalls. These metrics suggest no known safety incidents have been documented in consumer populations exposed to this flavoring agent. Toxicological evaluation would typically consider acute and chronic exposure scenarios, though detailed published safety studies specific to this compound are limited in the scientific literature.

## 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. "3-mercapto-3-methylbutyl Formate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/3-mercapto-3-methylbutyl-formate. Accessed 2026-05-19.