4-ethyl-2-methyl thiophene

4-ethyl-2-methyl thiophene is an organosulfur compound classified as a substituted thiophene heterocycle with the molecular formula C₇H₁₀S. It appears as a colorless liquid and possesses a characteristic burnt corn aroma. Synonyms include 4-ethyl-2-methylthiophene and thiophene, 4-ethyl-2-methyl-. This compound is notable for its role in flavor and aroma chemistry due to its distinct sensory properties. Information about 4-ethyl-2-methyl thiophene can be found in chemical databases such as PubChem. The compound is generally obtained through synthetic routes that modify the thiophene ring or isolated from complex natural extracts where such heterocyclic sulfur compounds occur.

4-ethyl-2-methyl thiophene naturally occurs in food matrices, notably within bread crust where Maillard reactions generate its characteristic burnt corn flavor. Its presence is linked to typical baking aromas due to thermal processing. The compound finds applications primarily within the category of natural substances and extractives, wherein it contributes to flavor profiles or serves as a model compound in research contexts. Regulatory guidance such as FEMA (US) standards classify it accordingly, with specific recommendations for use levels. However, current advisories indicate it is not approved for fragrance or flavor uses in consumer products, reflecting precautionary regulatory approaches in flavor and fragrance industries.

4-ethyl-2-methyl thiophene exhibits a boiling point range of 159 to 160°C at standard atmospheric pressure (760 mm Hg). It has a vapor pressure of approximately 3.175 mmHg at 25°C, indicating moderate volatility relevant for aroma perception and formulation considerations. The compound's estimated logP value is around 3.348, suggesting moderate lipophilicity influencing its solubility and interaction within lipid-containing systems. It is soluble in alcohols and has limited water solubility estimated at 119 mg/L at 25°C, which affects its behavior during extraction and formulation. Its flash point is approximately 33°C (92°F), which is important for handling and storage safety. These physicochemical properties collectively inform its applications, stability, and role in sensory products.

	4-ethyl-2-methylthiophene
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Pubchem (cid):	518801
Pubchem (sid):	10507208

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:	The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:	Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	Search
VCF-Online:	VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:	View

Safety information

Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
natural substances and extractives
Recommendation for 4-ethyl-2-methyl thiophene usage levels up to:
	not for fragrance use.
Recommendation for 4-ethyl-2-methyl thiophene flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :518801

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

4-ethyl-2-methylthiophene