FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl 2-Methyl Butyrate

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate
• CAS Number: 7452-79-1
• FEMA Number: 2440
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.038
• Molecular Formula: C7H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 130.19 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate is an ester, a functional group known for its fruity and sweet odor characteristics. The structure contributes to its volatility and diffusion, making it a prominent note in flavor and fragrance applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate is characterized by a strong, fruity odor reminiscent of apples and pineapples. It is often described as having a sweet, ester-like aroma with a high diffusion rate, making it an impactful top note in formulations. The taste threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable flavor even at minimal concentrations. Its primary sensory role is as an impact note, providing a burst of fruitiness that enhances the overall profile of a product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate naturally occurs in various fruits, including apples, pineapples, and strawberries. It is formed through enzymatic esterification processes in fruits, where alcohols react with acids. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in products due to its presence in nature and its ability to mimic the aroma of fresh fruits.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as beverages, candies, and baked goods. It serves as a key impact note, providing a fresh, fruity aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense fruit flavors. It is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, ethyl 2-methyl butyrate is used in fruity and floral compositions, contributing to the top notes of perfumes and personal care products. It acts as a modifier and impact note, providing freshness and realism to the fragrance. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in the final product, depending on the desired intensity. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, where it provides an initial burst of aroma.

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 with FL number 09.038.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions.

Explicit approvals exist in major markets, but formulators should verify specific country regulations due to potential variability.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, ethyl 2-methyl butyrate is considered safe within the established ADI and MSDI limits, with a wide margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low irritation and sensitization potential, as per IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility in typical use concentrations. The risk profiles are similar across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity aroma that enhances both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity notes, creating a balanced and appealing profile. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma, and underuse, which may result in a lack of impact. Formulators should carefully balance its concentration to achieve the desired effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl 2-methyl butyrate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further verification. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information supported by authoritative sources.

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 2026-03-23 15:24:38 GMT (p2)