Product Name

5-METHYLFURFURAL / 5-Methyl-2-furaldehyde

CAS No.: 620-02-0

🟢 Difficulty: Intermediate

⏳ Lasting: Medium

🌸 Note: Heart / Base

Description

5-Methylfurfural is a distinctive furanic aroma chemical with a warm, sweet, spicy and slightly caramelic odor profile. It is also known as 5-methyl-2-furaldehyde or 5-methyl-2-furfural. Its molecular formula is C₆H₆O₂ and its molecular weight is approximately 110.11.

In fragrance construction, 5-Methylfurfural is particularly useful when a formula needs a warm, cooked, caramelized or slightly roasted character. Its sweet-spicy profile can bring depth to gourmand compositions while its furanic character can suggest baked, toasted and dark fruity nuances. It is also a useful supporting material in coffee, tobacco, vanilla, caramel, roasted and oriental-style accords.

The material works best as a character modifier rather than simply as a sweetener. Small additions can help give an accord greater realism and complexity, particularly when paired with vanillic, balsamic, spicy, woody or roasted materials. 5-Methylfurfural is also recognized as a flavoring substance, with JECFA describing its odor as spicy-sweet, warm and slightly caramellic.

Odor Profile

• Sweet

• Warm

• Spicy

• Caramelic

• Furanic

• Roasted

• Baked

• Slightly woody

Recommended Formulation Level (Educational guideline only)

• Trace: 0.01–0.05%

• General use: 0.05–0.50%

• High-impact accords: 0.50–1.00%

These are formulation guidelines for perfumers and are not IFRA limits.

Works Well With

• Vanillin

• Ethyl Vanillin

• Maltol

• Ethyl Maltol

• Coumarin

• Benzaldehyde

• Eugenol

• Cinnamyl Alcohol

• Labdanum

• Patchouli

• Cedarwood

• Coffee accords

Common Applications

• Fine Fragrance

• Attars

• Candles

• Soap

• Body Care

• Home Fragrance

• Incense

• Gourmand Fragrance

Perfumers' Tip

Use 5-Methylfurfural to create a warm baked, caramelized or roasted effect rather than relying solely on conventional sweet materials. It can be especially effective in coffee, vanilla, tobacco and gourmand accords.

For a richer effect, combine it with vanillin, ethyl maltol, coumarin or balsamic materials. Start at low dilution and increase gradually, as its distinctive furanic character can become prominent.