FlavScents AInsights Entry for Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate (CAS: 6846-50-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate
- IUPAC Name: 2,2,4-Trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol diisobutyrate
- CAS Number: 6846-50-0
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Molecular Formula: C16H30O4
- Molecular Weight: 286.41 g/mol
Trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate is an ester compound characterized by its diisobutyrate functional groups. The presence of these ester groups contributes to its utility in formulations, providing a balance between volatility and stability, which is crucial for both flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate is known for its mild, fruity odor with subtle floral undertones. It is often described as having a low to moderate intensity, making it suitable for use as a background note in complex formulations. The compound does not have a significant taste profile, and specific taste or odor thresholds are not well-documented in the literature.
In sensory applications, it serves as a modifier, enhancing the overall profile without dominating the composition. Its diffusion is moderate, allowing it to blend seamlessly with other components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate is a synthetic compound and does not occur naturally. It is typically produced through esterification processes involving 2,2,4-trimethyl-1,3-pentanediol and isobutyric acid. As a synthetic ester, it does not qualify for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations under most regulatory frameworks.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate is utilized in various flavor applications, particularly in fruit and floral profiles. It acts as a functional modifier, providing smoothness and depth to the flavor system. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering effect.
The compound is stable under typical processing conditions, including moderate heat and pH variations, making it a versatile ingredient in flavor formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate is valued for its ability to impart a subtle, fruity-floral note. It is commonly used in personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. The compound functions as a trace realism enhancer and a modifier, contributing to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.
Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to act as a bridge between top and base notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Not explicitly listed as FEMA GRAS; used under general safety guidelines.
- European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008; usage is subject to general safety assessments.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU guidelines post-Brexit with no significant divergence reported.
- Asia: Usage in Japan and China is subject to national safety evaluations; specific listings not found.
- Latin America: No specific regulations identified; general safety principles apply.
The regulatory landscape for trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate is characterized by harmonized assumptions of safety, with no major country-specific restrictions identified.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels.
- Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values are available; however, industry practices suggest low exposure levels are safe.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally regarded as non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical use concentrations in fragrances.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility minimizes inhalation risks; occupational exposure limits are not specifically defined.
The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications do not significantly differ, with both considered low-risk under normal use conditions.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate is valued for its ability to enhance the complexity and depth of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and alcohols, providing a smooth transition between different notes. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive concentrations can lead to an undesirable heaviness in the final product.
Common pitfalls include underestimating its impact in delicate formulations, where its subtlety can be easily overshadowed by more dominant components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on trimethyl pentanyl diisobutyrate is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and sensory characteristics. However, specific regulatory approvals and detailed toxicological data are less documented, relying on general safety assessments and industry practices.
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 2026-03-21 09:51:24 GMT (p2)