# Methyl 3-methyl-1-butenyl Disulfide

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 233666-09-6
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Methyl 3-methyl-1-butenyl disulfide is a synthetic flavoring compound containing sulfur that mimics natural flavor compounds found in foods like onions and garlic. It is used in small quantities to provide savory, sulfurous flavoring notes in processed foods.

## 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 Methyl 3-methyl-1-butenyl Disulfide?

Methyl 3-methyl-1-butenyl disulfide (CAS Number 233666-09-6) is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the disulfide chemical class. It is composed of sulfur-containing molecular structures that contribute aromatic, savory characteristics to food products. This compound is structurally related to volatile sulfur compounds naturally present in allium vegetables such as onions, garlic, and leeks, which explains its flavor profile.

## Common Uses

As a flavoring agent, methyl 3-methyl-1-butenyl disulfide is utilized in the food industry to enhance or create savory, umami-like flavoring notes in various products. Its typical applications include:

- Processed meat products and meat flavorings
- Savory snack seasonings
- Condiments and sauces
- Seasoning blends
- Processed cheese products
- Ready-to-eat meal components

The compound is used in very small concentrations, as is standard practice with potent flavoring agents. Its sulfurous character makes it particularly valuable in applications seeking to replicate the flavor profile of naturally-occurring allium-derived compounds without using whole food ingredients.

## Safety Assessment

Methyl 3-methyl-1-butenyl disulfide has not been designated as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, meaning it does not have a formal GRAS determination. However, this classification does not indicate a safety concern. Many food additives operate under different regulatory frameworks without GRAS designation, particularly synthetic flavoring compounds approved through other pathways such as the Food Additive Petition process.

According to FDA records, there have been zero reported adverse events associated with this additive and zero recalls involving its presence in foods. The absence of reported safety incidents in consumer use provides empirical support for its safety profile in food applications at permitted levels.

The compound's structural similarity to naturally occurring flavor compounds found in widely consumed foods suggests a reasonable safety margin. Disulfides are common components of many food flavoring systems and have been used in food flavoring for decades without establishing patterns of toxicological concern.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, methyl 3-methyl-1-butenyl disulfide is regulated as a food additive under the FDA's flavoring regulations. While it lacks a formal GRAS designation, it may be approved as a food additive through established regulatory petitions and is permitted for use in food when complying with applicable limitations and specifications.

Regulatory approval and continued use indicate that safety assessments have deemed the additive appropriate for its intended purpose when used at levels consistent with standard flavoring practices. The compound must meet specifications for identity and purity as established through regulatory guidance.

International regulatory bodies, including those in the European Union and other regions, may have varying approval statuses for this compound. Food manufacturers must comply with all applicable regulations in jurisdictions where their products are marketed.

## Key Studies

Limited published literature specifically addresses this particular compound, which is typical for highly specialized synthetic flavoring agents. Toxicological safety evaluation of food-grade disulfides has generally established acceptable safety profiles. The chemical class of disulfides has been studied for decades in food safety research.

Regulatory decisions permitting this additive in food are based on proprietary safety data and toxicological testing submitted to regulatory authorities. Standard testing protocols for synthetic flavoring compounds typically include acute toxicity studies, repeated-dose toxicity assessments, and genotoxicity evaluations to establish safe use levels.

The empirical safety record—evidenced by zero adverse event reports and zero recalls—represents the most direct food safety data available. This real-world evidence, combined with its structural relationship to naturally occurring compounds and its use at minimal concentrations, supports its continued safe use in food applications.

## 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. "Methyl 3-methyl-1-butenyl Disulfide — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-3-methyl-1-butenyl-disulfide. Accessed 2026-05-19.