Compounds · Aldehydes · Heat (Maillard reaction and pyrolysis)
5-Methylfurfural
Also known as 5-Methyl-2-furaldehyde — an analysis may use any of these names
Caramel, roasted almond, with a slight spice note. Lightly burnt sweetness.
- CAS
- 620-02-0
- Formula
- C6H6O2
- Molar mass
- 110.11
- Odour threshold
- —
- Boiling point
- ≈ 187 °C at atmospheric pressure
Volatility
150 °C290 °C
Where it comes from
Biosynthetic pathway: Heat (Maillard reaction and pyrolysis) — fire breaks large molecules into ones you can smell.
Why it sits where it does
The same skeleton as furfural with an added methyl group, so it is heavier and boils about twenty-five degrees higher.
Where else you meet it
Caramelised sugar, cane molasses, roasted coffee, and baked goods.