Introduction
Furaneol, renowned as Strawberry Furanone, is a high-value flavor and fragrance compound prized for its exceptionally powerful and complex sensory profile. It delivers the quintessential aroma of caramelized sugar, ripe strawberries, and pineapple, making it an indispensable ingredient for creating authentic, premium flavors and fragrances.
Furaneol is a naturally occurring flavor molecule that has revolutionized the flavor and fragrance industry. It was first identified in pineapple and is a key character-impact compound in strawberries, raspberries, mangoes, and even in processed foods like roasted coffee, bread, and grilled meat, where it forms via the Maillard reaction. Despite its natural abundance in these sources, the concentrations are minimal. Our synthetically produced Furaneol Powder is chemically identical to its natural counterpart, providing a consistent, potent, and cost-effective source of this coveted aroma for industrial applications worldwide.
Physical & Chemical Parameters
| Parameter | Value / Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Melting Point | 73 - 79 °C | Confirms compound identity and purity. |
| Boiling Point | ~188 °C (at atm pressure), 258.62 °C (estimated) | Relevant for processing stability. |
| Flash Point | >93 °C (>200 °F) | Indicates a relatively high flash point. |
| Density | ~1.049 g/cm³ at 25°C | -- |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water. Freely soluble in ethanol, propylene glycol, and most organic solvents. | Typically dissolved in solvents like propylene glycol for commercial use. |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.000293 mm Hg @ 20°C | Very low, indicating low volatility at room temperature. |
| Log KOW | 0.82 | Predicts moderate hydrophilicity. |
| Storage & Handling | Store at 2-8°C in a tightly sealed, inert (nitrogen-filled) container. Protect from light, air, and moisture. | Critical for long-term stability as it is susceptible to oxidation. |
Mechanism of Action: A Symphony on the Senses
Furaneol's unparalleled power lies in its unique chemical structure and dual-action mechanism as both a primary flavorant and a powerful flavor modifier.
- Direct Olfactory Impact: Its molecule features a methyl-enediol-ketone group, which is a classic structural motif associated with intense caramel and sweet, fruity odors. At incredibly low concentrations (with a sensory threshold as low as 0.04 parts per billion), it directly stimulates olfactory receptors, producing an immediate perception of sweet, jammy, caramelized fruit.
- Flavor Modulation & Enhancement (The "Flavor Enhancer" Effect): Beyond providing its own distinct note, Furaneol acts as a powerful synergistic agent. It has the ability to:
Round and Sweeten harsh or acidic flavor profiles.
Amplify and Lift the natural fruity and creamy notes in a composition.
Add Depth and "Mouthfeel" to low-fat or sugar-reduced products, creating an impression of richness and fullness.
This combination of providing a top-tier characteristic flavor while simultaneously enhancing the overall flavor system makes it a master tool for flavorists and perfumers.
Key Benefits & Advantages
- Exceptional Potency & Cost-Effectiveness: Its ultra-low threshold means very small usage levels are required to achieve a dramatic sensory impact, offering superior value in formulation.
- Authentic "Natural-Tasting" Profile: As the exact molecule found in nature, it enables the creation of remarkably authentic strawberry, pineapple, and caramel notes that resonate with clean-label trends.
- Versatile Performance: Its stability and solubility make it suitable for a vast array of applications, from dry mixes and baked goods to acidic beverages and fine fragrances.
- Globally Recognized Safety: It holds a FEMA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status (No. 3174) for food use and has undergone a rigorous safety assessment by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), supporting its safe use in consumer products under established use levels.
Primary Applications
Furaneol is a cornerstone ingredient across multiple industries seeking premium sweetness and fruitiness.
- Food & Beverage:
Dairy: Ice cream, yogurt, flavored milks (imparts rich, ripe fruit and cream notes).
Confectionery: Candies, caramels, chocolates, gummies (enhances sweetness and fruit complexity).
Beverages: Juices, soft drinks, flavored waters, teas, alcoholic beverages like wines and cocktails.
Bakery: Fillings, frostings, biscuits, and cakes (adds baked, caramelized depth).
- Fragrance & Cosmetics:
Used in fine perfumery and personal care products to impart sweet, fruity, and caramelic nuances. Compliance with IFRA category use limits is essential.
- Flavored Tobacco & E-Liquids:
Provides the signature sweet and fruity top notes in modern vaping flavors and smokeless tobacco products.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Furaneol smell and taste like?
A: It has an intense, sweet aroma primarily of caramel and burnt sugar, with strong secondary notes of ripe strawberry, pineapple, and jam. The taste mirrors this, delivering a potent sweet, fruity, and slightly caramelized flavor.
Q: Is Furaneol safe? What is its toxicology profile?
A: Yes, when used within established guidelines. It is approved globally as a food flavoring (FEMA GRAS 3174). A comprehensive RIFM safety assessment concluded that, based on current use levels, it does not present a concern for genotoxicity or other systemic toxicity endpoints. It is classified as a Cramer Class II (Intermediate) substance.
Q: How is Furaneol different from Ethyl Maltol or Maltol?
A: While all are sweet enhancers, they are distinct. Maltol offers a cotton-candy/pastry sweetness, and Ethyl Maltol is about 4-6 times stronger. Furaneol is fundamentally different, providing a distinct fruity-caramel note rather than just a generic sweetness, and it contributes its own powerful character flavor.
Q: How should Furaneol be stored?
A: For long-term stability, it must be stored cold (2-8°C/36-46°F) in an airtight container under an inert atmosphere (like nitrogen) and protected from light. Commercial solutions in propylene glycol are more stable for handling.
Q: Can it be used in "Natural" labeled products?
A: Regulatory definitions vary by region. While Furaneol is nature-identical, its synthetic production typically means it cannot be labeled as "natural" under strict organic or natural food standards in markets like the EU or USA. Always verify with local regulatory guidelines.
Contact Us
Unlock the power of authentic fruit and caramel notes with our premium-grade Furaneol Powder. Ideal for R&D and large-scale production, our product comes with full regulatory documentation and traceability.
Please contact us at ella.zhang@huilinbio-tech.com.
Disclaimer
We supply Furaneol solely as the chemical raw material 4-Hydroxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (CAS 3658-77-3) for industrial use. We do not produce or sell any finished consumer goods bearing the "Furaneol" name.
Hot Tags: furaneol powder (strawberry furanone), China, suppliers, manufacturers, factory, wholesale, buy, price, bulk, pure, natural, high quality, in stock, for sale
