FlavScents AInsights Entry for 2-Methyl Butyraldehyde (CAS: 96-17-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): 2-Methyl Butyraldehyde, Isovaleraldehyde
• IUPAC Name: 2-Methylbutanal
• CAS Number: 96-17-3
• FEMA Number: 2693
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 05.015
• Molecular Formula: C5H10O
• Molecular Weight: 86.13 g/mol

2-Methyl butyraldehyde is an aliphatic aldehyde characterized by a branched structure. The presence of the aldehyde group contributes to its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as pungent and fruity. This functional group is crucial for its reactivity and sensory attributes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

2-Methyl butyraldehyde is known for its strong, pungent odor with fruity and nutty undertones. It is often described as having a green, apple-like scent with a hint of maltiness. The compound is used as an impact note in flavor formulations, providing a sharp, fresh character. Its odor threshold is relatively low, making it effective even at minimal concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

2-Methyl butyraldehyde occurs naturally in various fruits and fermented products. It is a byproduct of the Maillard reaction, which occurs during the cooking and processing of foods, contributing to the complex flavors of baked goods and roasted meats. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" in certain regulatory contexts.

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

4. Use in Flavors

2-Methyl butyraldehyde is utilized in a variety of flavor categories, including fruit, nut, and dairy flavors. It serves as an impact note, enhancing the freshness and authenticity of flavor profiles. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor systems. It is relatively stable under heat but may oxidize over time, affecting its sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In fragrance applications, 2-methyl butyraldehyde is used in small amounts to add a fresh, fruity top note. It is commonly found in citrus and green fragrance families. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, where it provides an initial burst of freshness. Typical concentrations in fragrance formulations are low, often less than 0.1%.

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 05.015.
• United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
• Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
• Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.

Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, though specific concentration limits may vary by region.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 2-methyl butyraldehyde is considered safe at typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not explicitly defined but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is limited due to potential irritation, and it is subject to 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

2-Methyl butyraldehyde is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other aldehydes and esters, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its strong odor, which can dominate if overused. It is often underutilized in complex formulations where subtlety is required.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 2-methyl butyraldehyde is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though specific concentration limits may vary by region. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information supported by authoritative sources.

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 2026-01-19 15:55:18 GMT (p2)