We have found
46589
results matching your criteria.
Please wait while we search...
methyl isobutyrate
Methyl isobutyrate is a fruity ester used as a flavor and fragrance agent with apple, pineapple, and other fruit notes.
General Material Description
Methyl isobutyrate, chemical formula C5H10O2, is a methyl ester of isobutyric acid known for its fruity and ethereal sensory properties. It appears as a colorless liquid and emits aromas reminiscent of apple, pineapple, and sweet tutti-frutti notes. Also referenced under several synonyms including methyl 2-methylpropanoate and iso butyric acid methyl ester, it is commonly used in flavor and fragrance industries. This compound occurs naturally in various fruits like apple, banana, blueberry, grape, and pineapple, among others. Its molecular structure and physicochemical traits are detailed in chemical databases such as ChEBI. Methyl isobutyrate can be isolated from natural sources or synthesized for commercial applications.
Occurrence, Applicability & Potential Uses
Methyl isobutyrate is naturally found in a wide array of fruits including apple, banana, blueberry, grape, kiwi, melon, papaya, pineapple, star fruit, and in extracts such as champaca concrete and Michelia alba flower absolute at low concentration levels. Its fruity and ethereal aroma profile makes it favorable for use in flavorings that aim to replicate or enhance fruit notes such as apple, apricot, banana, grape, and pineapple. This compound is also employed in fragrance formulations targeting fresh, juicy fruit character. Regulatory evaluation for methyl isobutyrate includes FEMA (US) designation number 2694, which recognizes its use in flavorings. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA, Global) provides guidelines recommending usage levels up to 1% in fragrance concentrates to ensure safety.
Physico-Chemical Properties Summary
Methyl isobutyrate exhibits physical properties significant for flavor and fragrance formulation. It is a colorless liquid with a molecular weight of approximately 102 g/mol and demonstrates moderate volatility with a boiling point around 91–93°C at standard atmospheric pressure. Its specific gravity at 20°C ranges between 0.889 and 0.893, indicating a lower density than water. The compound has an estimated octanol-water partition coefficient (log P) of about 1.14, reflecting moderate lipophilicity. Vapor pressure at 25°C is approximately 50 mmHg, which accounts for its volatile nature, contributing to its diffusion in sensory applications. Melting point lies near -85°C, and it has limited water solubility but is readily soluble in alcohols. The flash point close to 3°C (converted from 38°F) indicates flammability considerations during handling.
FAQ
What is methyl isobutyrate and what are its main sensory characteristics?
Methyl isobutyrate is a methyl ester derived from isobutyric acid with a molecular formula C5H10O2. It is recognized in flavor and fragrance industries for its fruity and ethereal aroma profile, reminiscent of apple, pineapple, and other juicy fruits. The compound presents as a colorless liquid with sweet, fruity, and slightly floral notes. It is identified by several synonyms, including methyl 2-methylpropionate and iso butyric acid methyl ester.
Where does methyl isobutyrate naturally occur and how is it used in products?
Methyl isobutyrate occurs naturally in fruits such as apple, banana, blueberry, grape, kiwi, melon, papaya, pineapple, star fruit, and in floral extracts like champaca concrete and Michelia alba flower absolute. Due to its fruity and sweet odor and flavor, it serves as an ingredient in flavoring formulations to impart fruit and juicy notes. It is also used in fragrances to evoke fresh and ethereal fruit aromas, making it valuable in both food and cosmetic applications.
How is methyl isobutyrate regulated and what are the safe usage guidelines?
Methyl isobutyrate is classified by FEMA (US) with the number 2694 for use as a flavoring agent and is considered generally recognized as safe (GRAS) within established usage levels. The International Fragrance Association (IFRA, Global) recommends keeping usage at or below 1.0% in fragrance concentrates to maintain safety. Safety data indicate it is highly flammable and can cause skin irritation, so proper handling precautions are necessary. Regulatory references from EFSA (EU) and FDA (US) provide further toxicological evaluation supporting its controlled use.
US / EU / FDA / JECFA / FEMA / Scholar / Patents
| Google Scholar | Start search |
| Google Books | Start search |
| Google Patents | Start search |
| Perfumer & Flavorists | Start search |
| EU Patents | Start search |
| PubMeb | Start search |
| NCBI | Start search |
Literature & References
| methyl 2-methylpropanoate | |
| NIST Chemistry WebBook: | Search Inchi |
| Canada Domestic Sub. List: | 547-63-7 |
| Pubchem (cid): | 11039 |
| Pubchem (sid): | 134977624 |
| Flavornet: | 547-63-7 |
| Pherobase: | View |
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 |
| CHEBI: | View |
| HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database): | HMDB31249 |
| FooDB: | FDB003279 |
| YMDB (Yeast Metabolome Database): | YMDB01748 |
| Export Tariff Code: | 2915.90.5050 |
| Typical G.C. | |
| VCF-Online: | VCF Volatile Compounds in Food |
| ChemSpider: | View |
General Material Information
| Preferred name | methyl isobutyrate |
| Trivial Name | Methyl isobutyrate |
| Short Description | isobutyric acid, methyl ester |
| Formula | C5 H10 O2 |
| CAS Number | 547-63-7 |
| FEMA Number | 2694 |
| Flavis Number | 9.412 |
| ECHA Number | 208-929-5 |
| FDA UNII | EM286QL922 |
| Nikkaji Number | J24.699I |
| Beilstein Number | 1740720 |
| MDL | MFCD00008914 |
| COE Number | 287 |
| xLogP3-AA | 1.20 (est) |
| NMR Predictor | External link |
| JECFA Food Flavoring | 185 methyl isobutyrate |
| FDA Patent | No longer provide for the use of these seven synthetic flavoring substances |
| FDA Mainterm | 547-63-7 ; METHYL ISOBUTYRATE |
| Synonyms |
|
Suppliers
PhysChem Properties
| Material listed in food chemical codex | No |
| Molecular weight | 102.13310241699 |
| Specific gravity | @ 20 °C |
| Pounds per Gallon | 7.406 to 7.439 |
| Refractive Index | 1.382 to 1.385 @ 20 °C |
| Melting Point | -85 to -84°C @ 760 mm Hg |
| Boiling Point | 91 to 93°C @ 760 mm Hg |
| Boiling Point | 38 to 39°C @ 100 mm Hg |
| Acid Value | 1 max KOH/g |
| Vapor Pressure | 50.41 mmHg @ 25 °C |
| Vapor Density | 3.5 |
| Flash Point TCC Value | 3.33 °C TCC |
| logP (o/w) | 1.139 est |
| Solubility | |
| alcohol | Yes |
| water, 9268 mg/L @ 25 °C (est) | Yes |
| water | No |
Organoleptic Properties
| Odor Type: Fruity | |
| fruity, floral, apple, pineapple, ethereal, sweet, tutti frutti | |
| General comment | At 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol. fruity floral apple pineapple |
| Mosciano, Gerard P&F 19, No. 5, 79, (1994) | Etherial, diffusive, fruity, sweet and tutti-frutti |
| Flavor Type: Ethereal | |
| sweet, ethereal, fruity, juicy, juicy fruit | |
| Mosciano, Gerard P&F 19, No. 5, 79, (1994) | At 35.00 ppm. Sweet, ethereal, fruity and juicy fruit |
Occurrences
| (data available) |
Potential Uses
| Applications | |
| Odor purposes | Apple , Apricot , Banana , Date , Fruit juicy fruit , Grape , Kiwi , Peach , Pear , Pineapple , Strawberry , Wine |
Safety Information
Safety information
| Preferred SDS: View | |
| European information : | |
| Most important hazard(s): | |
| Xi - Irritant | |
| R 11 - Highly flammable. R 38 - Irritating to skin. S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 16 - Keep away from sources of ignition - No Smoking. S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes. S 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. S 37/39 - Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection. | |
| 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: | |
| oral-rat LD50 16000 mg/kg (Patty, 1982) | |
| Dermal Toxicity: | |
| Not determined | |
| Inhalation Toxicity: | |
| inhalation-mouse LC50 25500 mg/m3/2H "Toxicometric Parameters of Industrial Toxic Chemicals Under Single Exposure," Izmerov, N.F., et al., Moscow, Centre of International Projects, GKNT, 1982Vol. -, Pg. 84, 1982. | |
Safety in use information
| Category: | |||
| flavor and fragrance agents | |||
| RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search | |||
| IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice | |||
| Recommendation for methyl isobutyrate usage levels up to: | |||
| 1.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate. | |||
| Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-EU): | 20.00 (μg/capita/day) | ||
| 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: 3 | |||
| Click here to view publication 3 | |||
| average usual ppm | average maximum ppm | ||
| baked goods: | 48.00000 | 200.00000 | |
| beverages(nonalcoholic): | - | 22.00000 | |
| beverages(alcoholic): | - | - | |
| breakfast cereal: | - | - | |
| cheese: | - | - | |
| chewing gum: | - | - | |
| condiments / relishes: | - | - | |
| confectionery froastings: | - | - | |
| egg products: | - | - | |
| fats / oils: | - | - | |
| fish products: | - | - | |
| frozen dairy: | - | 38.00000 | |
| fruit ices: | - | 38.00000 | |
| gelatins / puddings: | - | - | |
| granulated sugar: | - | - | |
| gravies: | - | - | |
| hard candy: | 48.00000 | 200.00000 | |
| imitation dairy: | - | - | |
| instant coffee / tea: | - | - | |
| jams / jellies: | - | - | |
| meat products: | - | - | |
| milk products: | - | - | |
| nut products: | - | - | |
| other grains: | - | - | |
| poultry: | - | - | |
| processed fruits: | - | - | |
| processed vegetables: | - | - | |
| reconstituted vegetables: | - | - | |
| seasonings / flavors: | - | - | |
| snack foods: | - | - | |
| soft candy: | - | - | |
| soups: | - | - | |
| sugar substitutes: | - | - | |
| sweet sauces: | - | - | |
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 1, Revision 1 (FGE.01Rev 1): Branched-chain aliphatic saturated aldehydes, carboxylic acids and related esters of primary alcohols and branched-chain carboxylic acids from chemical groups 1 and 2 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000 of 18 July 2000) - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in contact with Food (AFC) on a request from the Commission View page or View pdf |
| Flavouring Group Evaluation 01 Rev2 (FGE.01 Rev2): Branched-chain aliphatic saturated aldehydes, carboxylic acids and related esters of primary alcohols and branched-chain carboxylic acids from chemical groups 1 and 2 View page or View pdf |
| EPI System: View |
| AIDS Citations:Search |
| Cancer Citations:Search |
| Toxicology Citations:Search |
| EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):547-63-7 |
| EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data |
| EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry |
| Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :11039 |
| National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data |
| WISER:UN 1237 |
| WGK Germany:3 |
| methyl 2-methylpropanoate |
| Chemidplus:0000547637 |
| RTECS:NQ5425000 for cas# 547-63-7 |