2-methyl-4-pentenoic acid

2-methyl-4-pentenoic acid is a branched, aliphatic unsaturated carboxylic acid characterized by the molecular formula C₆H₁₀O₂. It appears as a liquid with a medium-strength cheesy odor accompanied by notes reminiscent of fruity cheese and creamy strawberry jam. This compound is known under multiple synonyms, including 2-methyl pent-4-en-1-oic acid and α-methyl-4-pentenoic acid, with the PubChem CID 549519 serving as a controlled vocabulary reference. Typically derived via synthetic flavor production methods, 2-methyl-4-pentenoic acid is sourced for use primarily in the flavor industry, especially where creamy and dairy-like notes are desired.

2-methyl-4-pentenoic acid occurs as a synthetic flavoring compound that mimics natural dairy and cheese aromas. It is widely applied as a flavoring agent in food products to impart creamy and cheesy characteristics. Its usage aligns with recommendations from FEMA (US), where it is listed under FEMA number 3511 and evaluated for specific applications. Common uses include incorporation into flavors for cheese, dairy products, and related foodstuffs where creamy strawberry jam notes enhance sensory profiles.

This compound exhibits a moderate molecular weight of approximately 114.14 g/mol and presents as a liquid at ambient conditions. It has a specific gravity ranging from 0.944 to 0.956 at 25 °C and a refractive index between 1.426 and 1.436 at 20 °C. The vapor pressure measured at 25 °C is low, around 0.237 mmHg, indicating limited volatility. The estimated log P value is 1.34, reflecting moderate hydrophobicity which affects its solubility and formulation behavior. Solubility data indicate that the compound is soluble in alcohols and slightly soluble in water, which supports its use in various flavor formulations. The flash point is approximately 99 °C (210 °F), marking it as relatively stable under normal handling conditions.

	2-methylpent-4-enoic acid
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	1575-74-2
Pubchem (cid):	549519
Pubchem (sid):	135020861

(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):	HMDB31158
FooDB:	FDB003172
Export Tariff Code:	2916.19.3000
ChemSpider:	View

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
C - Corrosive.
R 22 - Harmful if swallowed. R 34 - Causes burns. R 36/38 - Irritating to skin and eyes. S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 20/21 - When using do not eat, drink or smoke. 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 36/37/39 - Wear suitable clothing, gloves and eye/face protection. S 45 - In case of accident or if you feel unwell seek medical advice immediately.
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 2-methyl-4-pentenoic acid usage levels up to:
	not for fragrance use.
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-EU):		ND (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: 10
Click here to view publication 10
		average usual ppm	average maximum ppm
baked goods:		-	-
beverages(nonalcoholic):		-	-
beverages(alcoholic):		-	1.00000
breakfast cereal:		-	-
cheese:		-	-
chewing gum:		-	5.00000
condiments / relishes:		-	-
confectionery froastings:		-	5.00000
egg products:		-	-
fats / oils:		-	-
fish products:		-	-
frozen dairy:		-	2.00000
fruit ices:		-	2.00000
gelatins / puddings:		-	2.00000
granulated sugar:		-	-
gravies:		-	-
hard candy:		-	-
imitation dairy:		-	-
instant coffee / tea:		-	-
jams / jellies:		-	-
meat products:		-	-
milk products:		-	2.00000
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):

Opinion of the Scientific Panel on food additives, flavourings, processing aids and materials in contact with food (AFC) related to Flavouring Group Evaluation 6 (FGE.06): Straight-and branched-chain aliphatic unsatured primary alcohols, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and esters from chemical groups 1 and 4 View page or View pdf

Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in contact with Food (AFC) on a request from the Commission related to Flavouring Group Evaluation 5: Esters of 23 branched- and straight-chain aliphatic saturated primary alcohols and of one secondary alcohol, and 24 branched- and straight-chain unsaturated carboxylic acids from chemical groups 1, 2, and 5 View page or View pdf

Flavouring Group Evaluation 6, Revision 1 (FGE.06Rev1) - Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in contact with Food (AFC) View page or View pdf

Flavouring Group Evaluation 5, Revision 1 (FGE.05Rev1):Esters of branched- and straight-chain aliphatic saturated primary alcohols and of one secondary alcohol, and branched- and straight-chain unsaturated carboxylic acids from chemical groups 1, 2, and 5 (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000 of 18 July 2000) [1] - Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in contact with Food (AFC) View page or View pdf

Flavouring Group Evaluation 5, Revision 2 (FGE.05Rev2): Branched- and straight-chain unsaturated carboxylic acids and esters of these with aliphatic saturated alcohols from chemical groups 1, 2, 3 and 5 View page or View pdf

EPI System: View

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Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):1575-74-2

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :549519

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WISER:UN 3265

WGK Germany:3

2-methylpent-4-enoic acid

Chemidplus:0001575742