2-Methyl-3-furanthiol (CAS 28588-74-1) — Spicy Heart to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Methyl-3-furanthiol
CAS 28588-74-1
What Is 2-Methyl-3-furanthiol?
2-Methyl-3-furanthiol is a powerful synthetic aroma compound that creates meaty, savory notes. You’ll encounter it in savory flavorings and some niche fragrances. This molecule matters because it’s one of the most potent meat-like aroma chemicals known, detectable at extremely low concentrations.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 2-Methyl-3-furanthiol Smell Like?
At first sniff, 2-methyl-3-furanthiol delivers an explosive punch of roasted meat juices – think sizzling bacon fat and beef broth reduction. The top note has a slightly sulfurous edge that quickly mellows into a rich, umami heart reminiscent of pan-seared foie gras. As it dries down, it reveals subtle toasted bread crust nuances with lingering savory depth. In dilution, it can suggest roasted coffee or chocolate.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used in trace amounts to add animalic depth to the oud accord, creating a leathery, carnivorous effect that contrasts with the rose.
The key meaty component in this novelty fragrance, providing authentic fried bacon realism when combined with smoky pyrazines.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC1=C(S)C=CO1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
2-Methyl-3-furanthiol belongs to the furan-thiol class of heterocyclic compounds. While found naturally in cooked meats through Maillard reactions, commercial production typically involves organic synthesis routes starting from furfural derivatives. The molecule’s extreme potency stems from its sulfur-containing functional group combined with the furan ring structure, creating strong receptor binding affinity.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Odor Threshold | 0.0004 ppb |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.001-0.01% | Up to 0.1% | Animalic accent |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.0001-0.001% | Up to 0.01% | Savory notes |
Classic Accords
Tip: Always pre-dilute to 0.1% or below before incorporating into blends due to extreme potency.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Less meaty but more coffee-like, useful when a roasted rather than animalic effect is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific restrictions. Classified as a sulfur compound requiring careful handling.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated this material and established a safe exposure level for fragrance use.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, production avoids agricultural impacts. However, sulfur-containing compounds require careful waste management. Most manufacturers recover solvents and byproducts.
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References
- Blank et al. (2002). Identification of the Key Aroma Compounds in Cooked Beef. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. DOI: 10.1021/jf025599+
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 28588-74-1Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 114.17 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.5🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 57 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.331💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC1=C(C=CO1)S🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | fishyroastedsweet• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | thiolaromatic💻 RDKit |
| 2-Methyl-3-furanthiol has an odor and taste of roasted meat. -📖 Fenaroli | |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 0.0004 ppm (n=16)📖 van Gemert |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID5047118
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 114.16 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.146 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 174.34 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 29.322 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 56.549 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.536 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 101.114 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.943 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 1.912 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 1.338 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 3.68 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.018 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 2.846 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 1.763 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 35.838 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 13.14 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 31.553 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 12.509 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
