4-Acetoxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone (FEMA# 3797, CAS# 4166-20-5) has a character that, unsurprisingly, reflects something of the candy character of furaneol with an obvious fruity top note. This would lead to the hope that it would function very well in fruit flavors, especially in combination with furaneol. This is, in fact, the case. Rather more surprisingly, 4-acetoxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone is similarly effective in a wide range of brown flavors, again as a junior partner in combination with furaneol. The fruity note enhances, rather than detracts from, the effect. Where 4-acetoxy-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-furanone really comes into its own is in meat flavors. It outshines furaneol in every type of meat flavor and is entirely effective when used alone.
