FlavScents AInsights Entry for Maltyl Isobutyrate (CAS: 65416-14-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Maltyl isobutyrate
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methylpropyl 3-methylbutanoate
• CAS Number: 65416-14-0
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Molecular Formula: C9H18O2
• Molecular Weight: 158.24 g/mol

Maltyl isobutyrate is an ester compound characterized by its fruity and malty aroma, which is attributed to its ester functional group. The structure of maltyl isobutyrate, with its branched alkyl chains, contributes to its distinctive odor profile, making it a valuable component in flavor and fragrance formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Maltyl isobutyrate is known for its sweet, fruity, and malty aroma, reminiscent of pineapple and apple with a hint of caramel. It is often described as having a moderate intensity and good diffusion properties. The compound serves as an impact note in flavor compositions, providing a realistic fruity character that enhances the overall sensory experience.

Taste and odor thresholds for maltyl isobutyrate are not clearly reported in the literature. However, its sensory role is typically as a background enhancer or modifier, adding depth and complexity to flavor profiles.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Maltyl isobutyrate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification processes involving isobutyric acid and maltyl alcohol. It is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations due to its synthetic origin.

The compound's formation is primarily through chemical synthesis rather than natural biosynthetic pathways, which limits its occurrence in natural products.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Maltyl isobutyrate is utilized in various flavor categories, including fruit, confectionery, and bakery applications. It functions as a flavor enhancer, providing a sweet and fruity note that complements other flavor components.

Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired flavor intensity. These values are industry-typical estimates, as specific documented ranges are not widely available.

The compound is generally stable under typical processing conditions, though it may be susceptible to hydrolysis under extreme pH conditions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, maltyl isobutyrate is used in fruity and gourmand fragrance families. It acts as a modifier, adding a sweet and malty note that enhances the overall fragrance profile.

Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are qualitative, with the compound contributing primarily to the top and middle notes due to its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Maltyl isobutyrate does not have a specific FEMA GRAS status but is used in compliance with general safety guidelines.
• European Union: It is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, though specific FL number status is not available.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit regulations align with EU standards, with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: Regulatory information for Japan, China, and ASEAN countries is limited, with usage typically guided by general safety assessments.
• Latin America: Specific regulatory data for Brazil and MERCOSUR is not clearly reported, with harmonized assumptions generally applied.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, specific ADI, TTC, or MSDI values for maltyl isobutyrate are not available. However, it is generally considered safe for use in food flavors at typical concentrations.

Dermal exposure in fragrance applications suggests low irritation and sensitization potential, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific use restrictions.

Inhalation exposure considerations are minimal due to the compound's moderate volatility, with occupational exposure risks considered low under normal usage conditions.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Maltyl isobutyrate is valued for its ability to impart a sweet, fruity, and malty character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other fruity and sweet notes, enhancing the overall sensory profile.

Formulators should be cautious of overuse, as excessive concentrations can lead to an overpowering or artificial aroma. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

Data on maltyl isobutyrate is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and general usage in flavors and fragrances. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data are less documented, with industry practices often guiding usage levels and safety assessments.

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 2026-04-23 15:47:32 GMT (p2)