3-Mercapto-2-Methylpentanol (CAS 227456-27-1) | Food-Grade Tropical & Citrus Fruit Flavor

3-Mercapto-2-methylpentanol (CAS 227456-27-1) is a powerful and highly valued sulfur-containing aroma chemical in the flavor and fragrance industry, renowned for its vibrant tropical and citrus fruit character. As a FEMA GRAS listed flavoring substance, it serves as a key ingredient for creating intense, natural-tasting fruit flavors that are essential in modern food and beverage formulations.

Its primary application is to impart and enhance the authentic aroma of tropical fruits, most notably grapefruit, passion fruit, and guava. It delivers the characteristic juicy, slightly sulfury, and exuberantly fresh top notes that define these exotic profiles. Beyond tropical fruits, it is equally important for adding a natural, ripe blackcurrant (cassis) nuance and enhancing general citrus blends (such as mandarin and bergamot) with lift and diffusion. Its extreme potency means it is used at very low concentrations (often in the parts-per-billion range), yet it dramatically impacts the overall flavor perception by providing an immediate, fresh fruit burst upon consumption. This makes it indispensable in a wide array of applications, including beverages (cordials, soft drinks, alcoholic coolers), confectionery (fruit chews, hard candies, gummies), dairy products (fruit yogurts, smoothies), and dessert flavors.

For flavorists, 3-Mercapto-2-methylpentanol is not merely an additive; it is a crucial tool for bridging the gap between synthetic flavor systems and the complex, fresh-off-the-tree taste experience consumers demand, particularly in the growing market for exotic and natural fruit-flavored products.