FlavScents AInsights Entry for 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: 2212
• 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 an isovalerate moiety, contributing to its fruity and sweet 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 sweet undertones. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion properties, making it suitable for use as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The compound's odor threshold is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable sensory 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 and strawberries, contributing to their characteristic aromas. It can also be formed through esterification processes in nature, where isovaleric acid reacts with butanol. This compound is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" 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 flavor formulations, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as candies, beverages, and desserts. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the fruity character of these products. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 50 ppm, with industry-typical levels around 10 ppm. 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 the fragrance industry, butyl isovalerate is utilized in fruity and floral compositions, often as a modifier or impact note. It is found in a variety of product types, including perfumes, body sprays, and air fresheners. Concentration ranges in formulations are typically low, often below 1%, due to its potent odor profile. It contributes primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance.

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 09.013.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific restrictions in some ASEAN countries.
• Latin America: Generally accepted, with specific regulations in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, butyl isovalerate is considered safe at typical use levels, with a high margin of safety. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally low risk, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility at room temperature, but occupational exposure should be monitored in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Butyl isovalerate is valued for its ability to impart a natural fruity aroma, making it a staple in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower other notes if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is desired.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on butyl isovalerate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While industry practices are well-documented, some variability in natural occurrence data exists due to differences in fruit sources and processing methods.

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 2026-04-22 18:39:47 GMT (p2)