2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-one (CAS 3188-00-9) — Sweet Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-one
CAS 3188-00-9
What Is 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-one?
2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-one is a synthetic fragrance ingredient often used to add a fruity, caramel-like nuance to perfumes and flavored products. Consumers encounter it in gourmand fragrances and some food flavorings. This compound matters because it provides a cost-effective way to create rich, sweet olfactory effects without relying on natural extracts.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-one Smell Like?
2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-one opens with a burst of fruity sweetness reminiscent of overripe strawberries and caramelized sugar. The heart reveals a slightly woody, nutty character that evolves into a warm, bread-like dry-down. The overall effect is like walking past a bakery where fruit tarts are cooling, with a subtle lactonic creaminess that lingers on the skin.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to enhance the gourmand accord, contributing to the fragrance’s signature ‘edible’ quality by amplifying sweetness without cloying heaviness.
Provides a subtle caramelized fruit effect that supports the dominant vanilla and iris notes in this popular gourmand.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC1OCCC1=O
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-one belongs to the furanone class of compounds, known for their sweet, caramel-like odors. While some furanones occur naturally in foods like strawberries and roasted coffee, this particular variant is produced synthetically. The molecule’s five-membered ring structure with a ketone group is responsible for its distinctive odor profile. Synthesis typically involves cyclization of appropriate precursors followed by selective methylation.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | Not widely documented |
|---|---|
| Density | Not widely documented |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Used to enhance sweetness in gourmands |
| Functional Fragrances | 0.1-1% | Up to 3% | Adds pleasant nuance to household products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly in floral compositions to add natural-seeming sweetness without overpowering delicate notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When a more pronounced strawberry-jam effect is desired, though it’s less stable in formulations.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as an EU allergen.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated similar furanones but no specific assessment found for this compound.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-one doesn’t require agricultural land or natural resources for production. However, the petrochemical origin raises questions about long-term sustainability. Some manufacturers are exploring bio-based routes to similar molecules.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID9047677
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 100.117 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.114 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 138.75 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -19.71 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 45.773 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.431 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 96.249 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 0.044 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 0.044 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 0.044 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 3.65 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 1.849 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 9.555 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 1.128 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 30.043 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 149.484 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 26.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 24.891 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 9.867 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.
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