FlavScents AInsights Entry for Isobutyl Acetate (CAS: 110-19-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Isobutyl acetate
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methylpropyl acetate
• CAS Number: 110-19-0
• FEMA Number: 2171
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.014
• Molecular Formula: C6H12O2
• Molecular Weight: 116.16 g/mol

Isobutyl acetate is an ester formed from isobutanol and acetic acid. It is characterized by its fruity odor, often associated with pear or banana, which is attributed to its ester functional group. This compound is widely used in the flavor and fragrance industry due to its pleasant aroma and volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Isobutyl acetate is known for its sweet, fruity odor reminiscent of pear and banana, with moderate intensity and good diffusion. It is often used as an impact note in formulations, providing a fresh and uplifting character. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Isobutyl acetate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, bananas, and pears. It is formed through enzymatic reactions during the ripening process. In the context of "natural flavor" designation, isobutyl acetate can be derived from natural sources or synthesized to mimic its natural occurrence.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Isobutyl acetate is commonly used in fruit-flavored products, such as candies, beverages, and baked goods. It serves as a key component in flavor systems, providing a fruity top note. Typical use levels in finished products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense flavor profiles. It is stable under normal 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, isobutyl acetate is used in formulations for personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It contributes to the top notes of a fragrance, providing a fresh and fruity aroma. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 1% in finished products, depending on the desired intensity and product type.

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 No. 09.014.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in MERCOSUR countries, with some variations in national regulations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Isobutyl acetate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications. Oral exposure is generally low due to its use at ppm levels, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances is monitored by IFRA, with no significant irritation or sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal, but occupational safety measures should be in place to prevent overexposure in manufacturing settings.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Isobutyl acetate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity note to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential for rapid evaporation, which can lead to under-utilization in long-lasting products.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on isobutyl acetate is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. While specific numeric thresholds for taste are not well-documented, industry practices provide reliable guidance for its use. Regulatory frameworks are generally harmonized, though some regional variations exist.

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 2026-04-14 17:17:32 GMT (p2)