FlavScents AInsights Entry for Ethyl Isovalerate (CAS: 108-64-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Ethyl isovalerate
• IUPAC Name: Ethyl 3-methylbutanoate
• CAS Number: 108-64-5
• FEMA Number: 2455
• Other Identifiers: FL number 09.038
• Molecular Formula: C7H14O2
• Molecular Weight: 130.19 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Ethyl isovalerate is an ester, characterized by its fruity odor, which is a result of the ester linkage between the alcohol and acid moieties. This structure is crucial for its application in flavor and fragrance industries, providing a sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of apple or pineapple.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Ethyl isovalerate is known for its sweet, fruity odor, often described as apple-like with nuances of pineapple. It is a high-impact aroma compound, contributing significantly even at low concentrations. The compound is typically used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a fresh, fruity character. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely reported, its potent aroma suggests a low threshold, making it effective in small amounts.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Ethyl isovalerate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, bananas, and strawberries. It is formed through enzymatic esterification processes in fruits, where alcohols react with acids. This compound is often used to enhance "natural flavor" profiles in food products due to its presence in nature.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Ethyl isovalerate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as apple, banana, and tropical blends. It serves as an impact note, providing a fresh and fruity character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor profiles. 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 isovalerate is used in fruity and floral compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, enhancing the freshness and realism of the fragrance. It is typically used in concentrations ranging from trace amounts to 0.5% in the final product, contributing primarily to the top notes due to its 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 09.038.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific regulations varying by country.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized assumptions across the region.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Ethyl isovalerate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no specific ADI established but generally recognized as safe. Dermal exposure in fragrances is not associated with significant irritation or sensitization, aligning with IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility and typical use concentrations.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Ethyl isovalerate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an overpowering aroma. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on ethyl isovalerate is well-established, with consistent findings across authoritative sources. While specific numeric thresholds are not always available, industry practices provide reliable guidance. Regulatory frameworks are harmonized across major regions, though minor 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 2026-04-23 12:35:24 GMT (p2)