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. 09.034
• Molecular Formula: C7H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 130.18 g/mol

Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate is an ester compound characterized by its fruity aroma, often associated with apple and pineapple notes. The ester functional group is crucial for its odor profile, contributing to its volatility and sensory impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate is known for its strong, fruity odor reminiscent of apples and pineapples. It is often described as having a sweet, juicy character with moderate intensity and good diffusion. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a fresh and vibrant top note. The odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.

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 significant in the designation of "natural flavor" due to its presence in many fruit-derived products.

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 functions as an impact note, enhancing the fruity character of the formulation. Typical use levels range from 1 to 50 ppm in finished products, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor profiles. The compound is 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 fragrances, ethyl 2-methyl butyrate is used to impart a fresh, fruity note, often in conjunction with other esters to create a complex fruit accord. It is commonly found in personal care products, air fresheners, and household cleaners. Typical concentrations range from trace amounts to 0.5% in formulations, contributing primarily to the top note due to its high volatility.

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 09.034.
• 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.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ethyl 2-methyl butyrate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by an adequate margin of safety, with no adverse effects reported at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally non-irritating, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility in ambient conditions.

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 note to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and aldehydes, enhancing the overall fruitiness of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an artificial or overpowering aroma. It is often under-used in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

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 variability exists in regional regulatory interpretations. No significant data gaps are noted, though ongoing research may refine use guidelines.

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

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 2026-02-04 13:31:33 GMT (p2)