AInsights Entry for Isoamyl Amine (CAS: 107-85-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Isoamyl amine
- IUPAC Name: 3-Methylbutan-1-amine
- CAS Number: 107-85-7
- FEMA Number: Data not found
- Other Identifiers: FL number not found, CoE number not found, IFRA reference not found
- Molecular Formula: C5H13N
- Molecular Weight: 87.16 g/mol
- Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Isoamyl amine is a primary amine with a branched alkyl chain. The presence of the amine group contributes to its characteristic odor, which is often described as fishy or ammonia-like. The branched structure can influence its volatility and interaction with other compounds in formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
- Odor and Flavor Descriptors: Isoamyl amine is known for its pungent, fishy odor with ammonia-like characteristics. It is not typically used for its flavor properties due to its intense and unpleasant aroma.
- Taste and/or Odor Thresholds: Specific thresholds are not clearly reported, but the compound is known to have a low odor threshold due to its potent smell.
- Typical Sensory Role: Isoamyl amine is generally not used as a primary sensory component in flavors or fragrances due to its overpowering odor. It may be used in trace amounts to modify or enhance certain profiles.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
- Known Natural Sources: Isoamyl amine is not commonly found in nature. It is primarily synthesized for industrial use.
- Formation Pathways: It can be produced through the reaction of isoamyl alcohol with ammonia or through reductive amination processes.
- Relevance to “Natural Flavor” or “Natural Fragrance” Designation: Due to its synthetic origin and intense odor, isoamyl amine is not typically associated with natural flavor or fragrance designations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
- Flavor Categories and Applications: Isoamyl amine is rarely used in flavor applications due to its strong and unpleasant odor.
- Functional Role in Flavor Systems: When used, it may serve as a trace modifier to impart specific notes in complex formulations.
- Typical Use Levels: Documented use levels are not available, but industry practice suggests it is used in very low ppm ranges due to its potency.
- Stability Considerations: Isoamyl amine is relatively stable under normal conditions but can degrade under high heat or acidic conditions, which may alter its sensory profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
- Fragrance Families and Product Types: Isoamyl amine is not commonly used in mainstream fragrance products due to its strong odor.
- Functional Role: It may be used in trace amounts for specific industrial or niche applications where its unique odor profile is desired.
- Typical Concentration Ranges: Typically used in very low concentrations, often below 0.1% in formulations.
- Volatility and Top/Middle/Base Contribution: Isoamyl amine is highly volatile and would contribute primarily to the top notes of a fragrance, if used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States (FDA / FEMA GRAS): Not explicitly listed as GRAS for flavor use.
- European Union (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008; FL number status): Not listed under the EU flavoring regulation.
- United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit; no specific divergence noted.
- Asia (Japan, China, ASEAN): Limited information available; typically not used in food applications.
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, MERCOSUR): No specific regulatory status found.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Not typically used in food applications; therefore, no ADI or MSDI is established.
- Dermal Exposure: Potential for irritation and sensitization; not recommended for direct skin contact.
- Inhalation Exposure: Due to its volatility, inhalation exposure should be minimized, especially in occupational settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
- Why This Material is Valuable: Isoamyl amine's unique odor profile can be useful in specific industrial applications.
- Typical Synergies: May be used in combination with other amines or nitrogen-containing compounds for specialized effects.
- Common Formulation Pitfalls: Overuse can lead to overpowering and unpleasant odors.
- Situations Where It is Frequently Over- or Under-Used: Often under-used due to its strong odor; careful formulation is required to balance its impact.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
- Well-Established Data: Basic chemical and sensory properties are well-documented.
- Industry-Typical but Undocumented Practices: Use in trace amounts for specific industrial applications.
- Known Data Gaps or Regulatory Ambiguities: Limited regulatory information and sensory threshold data.
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 2026-08-21 05:17:34 GMT (p2)