FlavScents AInsights Entry: Butyl Isovalerate (CAS: 109-19-3)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Butyl isovalerate
- IUPAC Name: Butyl 3-methylbutanoate
- CAS Number: 109-19-3
- FEMA Number: 2215
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.013
- Molecular Formula: C9H18O2
- Molecular Weight: 158.24 g/mol
Butyl isovalerate is an ester formed from isovaleric acid and butanol. Its structure features a butyl group linked to the ester moiety, contributing to its fruity odor profile. The ester functional group is crucial for its volatility and sensory characteristics, making it a valuable component in flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Butyl isovalerate is characterized by a fruity, apple-like odor with nuances of pear and pineapple. It is often described as having a sweet, fresh, and slightly green aroma. The compound is used as an impact note in flavor compositions, providing a realistic fruitiness. Its odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable effects even at minimal concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Butyl isovalerate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, pears, and pineapples. It is formed through esterification processes in plants, where isovaleric acid reacts with butanol. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in food products due to its presence in natural sources.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Butyl isovalerate is widely used in fruit flavor formulations, particularly in apple, pear, and tropical fruit profiles. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the authenticity and freshness of fruit flavors. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor applications. The compound is stable under typical food processing conditions, though it may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrance applications, butyl isovalerate is used in fruity and floral compositions. It contributes to the top notes, providing a fresh and sweet aroma that enhances the overall fragrance profile. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations range from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility makes it suitable for use in perfumes, body sprays, and air fresheners.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; listed with FL No. 09.013.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
- Latin America: Generally recognized as safe, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.
Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though country-specific regulations may vary.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Butyl isovalerate is considered safe for consumption at typical flavor use levels. The ADI is not explicitly defined, but it falls within the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) for flavoring substances.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations. IFRA guidelines provide usage limits to ensure safety.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risks, though occupational exposure should be minimized through proper ventilation.
Risk profiles are similar for food and fragrance applications, with no significant safety concerns at recommended use levels.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Butyl isovalerate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on butyl isovalerate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Overall, the data quality is high, supporting confident use in formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1-9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-02-13 08:36:41 GMT (p2)