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butyl ethyl disulfide

Butyl ethyl disulfide is an organosulfur compound with a sulfurous odor used primarily as a flavoring agent in garlic, onion, and savory products.
Chemical Structure

General Material Description

Butyl ethyl disulfide is an organosulfur compound characterized chemically by the molecular formula C6H14S2. It appears as a colorless liquid with a distinct sulfurous odor reminiscent of cooked onion and garlic, detected at low concentration levels such as 0.01 % in propylene glycol. Also known by synonyms including 1-ethyldisulfanylbutane and 3,4-dithiaoctane, this substance contributes to the flavor profiles of various savory foods. It is sourced naturally from certain plants and fruits and can be synthesized for use as a flavoring additive. For standardized chemical information, it is linked to PubChem CID 522111. Its role in food flavor results from its volatile sulfur-containing molecular structure which influences sensory qualities in food products.

Occurrence, Applicability & Potential Uses

Butyl ethyl disulfide naturally occurs in pungent botanical substances such as asafoetida and durian fruit, where it contributes to their characteristic aromas. This compound is widely applied in the flavor industry as a flavoring agent to impart or enhance sulfurous notes commonly found in garlic, onion, leek, and savory meat and seafood formulations. Its inclusion supports flavor complexity in soups and sauces as well. Regulatory evaluation by FEMA (US) identified it under FEMA number 4027 for flavor use. The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) has also assessed its application, confirming its functional role in food and beverages within established usage limits. These regulatory assessments guide safe incorporation into consumer food products.

Physico-Chemical Properties Summary

Butyl ethyl disulfide exhibits physical properties that influence its application in flavor formulations. It is a liquid with a moderate estimated partition coefficient (log P) around 4.19, indicating considerable lipophilicity, beneficial for blending in fat-containing foods. Its specific gravity ranges from 0.95 to 0.968 at 20 to 25 °C, close to that of typical organic solvents used in flavors. The refractive index between 1.492 and 1.502 at 20 °C confirms its clarity and purity. With a vapor pressure of 0.735 mmHg at 25 °C, it is moderately volatile, contributing to its aroma release. It dissolves readily in alcohol and sparingly in water, facilitating its incorporation in various food systems. The flash point near 67 °C (154 °F) requires controlled handling in manufacturing environments. These characteristics support its effective use in complex flavor blends.

FAQ

What is butyl ethyl disulfide and what are its main characteristics?
Butyl ethyl disulfide is an organosulfur compound with the molecular formula C6H14S2, notable for its sulfurous odor reminiscent of cooked onion and garlic. It is a colorless, moderately volatile liquid utilized primarily as a flavoring agent in food products to provide savory, garlic-like aroma notes. The compound is also referenced by synonyms such as 1-ethyldisulfanylbutane and 3,4-dithiaoctane.
Where does butyl ethyl disulfide naturally occur and how is it used?
Naturally, butyl ethyl disulfide is found in plants and fruits known for strong sulfurous odors, including asafoetida and durian. Industrially, it serves as a flavor enhancer in food applications, contributing savory, meat-like, and onion or garlic notes to products such as soups, seafood, and savory baked goods. It is employed within established regulatory frameworks to impart characteristic sulfurous flavors.
What regulations govern the use and sourcing of butyl ethyl disulfide in food flavors?
Butyl ethyl disulfide is regulated by various food safety authorities, including FEMA (US) where it carries FEMA number 4027 and is generally recognized as safe for flavor use within specified limits. JECFA has also evaluated this compound for food flavoring. Usage levels in food categories follow recommendations outlined in Commission Regulation EC No. 1565/2000 (EU) and comparable frameworks, with limits to ensure consumer safety. Its sourcing can be natural from botanicals or via controlled synthesis following food-grade standards.

US / EU / FDA / JECFA / FEMA / Scholar / Patents

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Other Information

(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
FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):View
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):HMDB32180
FooDB:FDB009043
VCF-Online:VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:View

General Material Information

Preferred name butyl ethyl disulfide
Trivial Name Butyl ethyl disulfide
Short Description 1-ethyldisulfanylbutane
Formula C6 H14 S2
CAS Number 63986-03-8
FEMA Number 4027
Flavis Number 12.254
FDA UNII 547878JR6J
Nikkaji Number J543.237E
xLogP3-AA 2.50 (est)
NMR Predictor External link
JECFA Food Flavoring 1698 butyl ethyl disulfide
FDA Patent No longer provide for the use of these seven synthetic flavoring substances
FDA Mainterm 63986-03-8 ; BUTYL ETHYL DISULFIDE
Synonyms
  • N- butyl ethyl disulfide
  • butyl ethyl disulphide
  • disulfide, butyl ethyl
  • 3,4-dithiaoctane
  • 1-ethyl disulfanyl butane
  • ethyl N-butyl disulphide
  • 1-ethyldisulfanyl-butane
  • 1-( ethyldisulfanyl)butane
  • 1-ethyldisulfanylbutane
  • 1-ethyldisulfanylbutane
  • 3,4-Dithiaoctane
  • n-Butyl ethyl disulfide
  • 1-(Ethyldisulfanyl)butane
  • Ethyl n-butyl disulfide

PhysChem Properties

Material listed in food chemical codex No
Molecular weight 150.30758666992
Specific gravity @ 20 °C
Pounds per Gallon 7.914 to 8.064
Specific gravity @ 25 °C
Pounds per Gallon 7.905 to 8.055
Refractive Index 1.492 to 1.502 @ 20 °C
Vapor Pressure 0.735 mmHg @ 25 °C
Flash Point TCC Value 67.78 °C TCC
logP (o/w) 4.188 est
Solubility
alcohol Yes
water, 39.94 mg/L @ 25 °C (est) Yes
water No

Organoleptic Properties

Odor Type: Sulfurous
sulfurous, onion cooked onion, onion, garlic
General comment At 0.01 % in propylene glycol. sulfurous cooked onion garlic

Occurrences

Potential Uses

Applications
Flavoring purposes Garlic , Leek , Meat , Onion , Savory , Seafood , Soup

Safety Information

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:
flavoring agents
Recommendation for butyl ethyl disulfide usage levels up to:
not for fragrance use.
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-EU): 0.012 (μg/capita/day)
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-USA): ND (μg/capita/day)
Modified Theoretical Added Maximum Daily Intake (mTAMDI): 78 (μg/person/day)
NOEL (No Observed Effect Level): 7.3 (mg/kg bw per day)
Threshold of Concern:1800 (μg/person/day)
Structure Class: I
Use levels for FEMA GRAS flavoring substances on which the FEMA Expert Panel based its judgments that the substances are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The Expert Panel also publishes separate extensive reviews of scientific information on all FEMA GRAS flavoring substances and can be found at FEMA Flavor Ingredient Library
publication number: 21
Click here to view publication 21
average usual ppmaverage maximum ppm
baked goods: 0.100000.20000
beverages(nonalcoholic): 0.050000.10000
beverages(alcoholic): 0.050000.10000
breakfast cereal: --
cheese: --
chewing gum: 0.300000.60000
condiments / relishes: 0.050000.10000
confectionery froastings: --
egg products: --
fats / oils: --
fish products: --
frozen dairy: 0.060000.12000
fruit ices: 0.050000.10000
gelatins / puddings: 0.050000.10000
granulated sugar: --
gravies: 0.050000.10000
hard candy: 0.100000.20000
imitation dairy: --
instant coffee / tea: --
jams / jellies: --
meat products: --
milk products: 0.050000.10000
nut products: --
other grains: --
poultry: --
processed fruits: --
processed vegetables: --
reconstituted vegetables: --
seasonings / flavors: --
snack foods: 0.050000.10000
soft candy: 0.060000.12000
soups: 0.050000.10000
sugar substitutes: --
sweet sauces: --
Food categories according to Commission Regulation EC No. 1565/2000 (EC, 2000) in FGE.06 (EFSA, 2002a). According to the Industry the "normal" use is defined as the average of reported usages and "maximum use" is defined as the 95th percentile of reported usages (EFSA, 2002i).
Note: mg/kg = 0.001/1000 = 0.000001 = 1/1000000 = ppm.
average usage mg/kgmaximum usage mg/kg
Dairy products, excluding products of category 02.0 (01.0): 0.200001.00000
Fats and oils, and fat emulsions (type water-in-oil) (02.0): 0.100000.50000
Edible ices, including sherbet and sorbet (03.0): 0.200001.00000
Processed fruit (04.1): 0.200001.00000
Processed vegetables (incl. mushrooms & fungi, roots & tubers, pulses and legumes), and nuts & seeds (04.2): --
Confectionery (05.0): 0.200001.00000
Chewing gum (05.3): --
Cereals and cereal products, incl. flours & starches from roots & tubers, pulses & legumes, excluding bakery (06.0): 0.100000.50000
Bakery wares (07.0): 0.200001.00000
Meat and meat products, including poultry and game (08.0): 0.100000.20000
Fish and fish products, including molluscs, crustaceans and echinoderms (MCE) (09.0): 0.100000.20000
Eggs and egg products (10.0): --
Sweeteners, including honey (11.0): --
Salts, spices, soups, sauces, salads, protein products, etc. (12.0): 0.100000.50000
Foodstuffs intended for particular nutritional uses (13.0): 0.200001.00000
Non-alcoholic ("soft") beverages, excl. dairy products (14.1): 0.100000.50000
Alcoholic beverages, incl. alcohol-free and low-alcoholic counterparts (14.2): 0.200001.00000
Ready-to-eat savouries (15.0): 0.400002.00000
Composite foods (e.g. casseroles, meat pies, mincemeat) - foods that could not be placed in categories 01.0 - 15.0 (16.0): 0.100000.50000

Safety references

European Food Safety Athority(EFSA):Flavor usage levels; Subacute, Subchronic, Chronic and Carcinogenicity Studies; Developmental / Reproductive Toxicity Studies; Genotoxicity Studies...

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reference(s):

Flavouring Group Evaluation 91 (FGE.91): Consideration of simple aliphatic and aromatic sulphides and thiols evaluated by JECFA (53rd and 68th meetings) structurally related to aliphatic and alicyclic mono-, di-, tri-, and polysulphides with or without additional oxygenated functional groups evaluated by EFSA in FGE.08Rev1 (2009)
View page or View pdf

Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 91, Revision 1 (FGE.91Rev1): Consideration of simple aliphatic and aromatic sulphides and thiols evaluated by JECFA (53rd and 68th meetings) structurally related to aliphatic and alicyclic mono-, di-, tri-, and polysulphides with or without additional oxygenated functional groups evaluated by EFSA in FGE.08Rev3 (2011)
View page or View pdf

Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 91, Revision 2 (FGE.91Rev2): Consideration of simple aliphatic and aromatic sulphides and thiols evaluated by the JECFA (53rd and 68th meetings) structurally related to aliphatic and alicyclic mono-, di-, tri-, and polysulphides with or without additional oxygenated functional groups evaluated by EFSA in FGE.08Rev5 (2012)
View page or View pdf

Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 91, Revision 3 (FGE.91Rev3): consideration of aliphatic, aromatic and a,ß-unsaturated sulfides and thiols evaluated by JECFA (53rd, 61st, 68th and 76th meetings), structurally related to substances in FGE.08Rev5
View page or View pdf

EPI System: View
AIDS Citations:Search
Cancer Citations:Search
Toxicology Citations:Search
EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):63986-03-8
EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data
EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry
Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :522111
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data
1-ethyldisulfanylbutane
Chemidplus:0063986038