FlavScents AInsights Entry for Amyl Valerate (CAS: 2173-56-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Amyl Valerate, Pentyl Pentanoate
• IUPAC Name: Pentyl pentanoate
• CAS Number: 2173-56-0
• FEMA Number: 2087
• Other Identifiers: FL Number 09.034
• Molecular Formula: C10H20O2
• Molecular Weight: 172.27 g/mol

Amyl valerate is an ester formed from the reaction of valeric acid and amyl alcohol. It is characterized by its fruity odor, reminiscent of apple or pear, which is attributed to its ester functional group. This compound is often used in flavor and fragrance formulations due to its pleasant scent and flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Amyl valerate is known for its fruity, apple-like aroma with a sweet, slightly floral undertone. It is often described as having a medium intensity and good diffusion, making it suitable for use as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The taste threshold is not well-documented, but its odor threshold is considered low, allowing it to be effective in small concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Amyl valerate is not commonly found in nature but can be synthesized through esterification of valeric acid and amyl alcohol. This synthetic pathway is typical for many esters used in the flavor and fragrance industry. While it can be labeled as a "nature-identical" flavor, it does not occur naturally in significant quantities in any known natural sources.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Amyl valerate is used in a variety of flavor applications, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as apple, pear, and apricot. It serves as an impact note, providing a sweet, fruity character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to an overpowering flavor. It is generally 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, amyl valerate is used in formulations for personal care products, household cleaners, and air fresheners. It contributes to fruity and floral fragrance families, often as a top note due to its volatility. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from 0.1% to 1%, 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: Listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL number 09.034.
• United Kingdom: Follows 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.

Amyl valerate is widely accepted for use in both flavors and fragrances, with harmonized regulations across many regions. However, formulators should verify specific local requirements.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Amyl valerate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical use levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is supported by its FEMA GRAS status, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with standard safety practices.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Amyl valerate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity note to both flavors and fragrances. It blends well with other esters and fruity compounds, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of its potency, as overuse can lead to an artificial or cloying effect. 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 amyl valerate 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 use levels. Regulatory frameworks are consistent across major markets, though local verification is advised.

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 2026-04-15 00:39:43 GMT (p2)