FlavScents AInsights Entry for Butyl Isovalerate (CAS: 109-19-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Butyl isovalerate
• IUPAC Name: Butyl 3-methylbutanoate
• CAS Number: 109-19-3
• FEMA Number: 2215
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.010
• Molecular Formula: C9H18O2
• Molecular Weight: 158.24 g/mol

Butyl isovalerate is an ester compound characterized by its fruity odor, which is attributed to the ester functional group. The structure of butyl isovalerate includes a butyl group attached to the isovalerate moiety, contributing to its distinctive sensory properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Butyl isovalerate is known for its pleasant, fruity aroma reminiscent of apple and pear, with a sweet, ester-like character. It is often described as having moderate intensity and good diffusion, making it a versatile component in both flavor and fragrance formulations. The odor threshold for butyl isovalerate is relatively low, allowing it to impart noticeable effects even at minimal concentrations. It typically serves as an impact note or a modifier in complex formulations, enhancing the overall sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Butyl isovalerate naturally occurs in various fruits, including apples and pears, contributing to their characteristic aroma. It can also be formed through esterification processes involving butanol and isovaleric acid. This compound is relevant to "natural flavor" designations when derived from natural sources or through natural processes, aligning with regulatory definitions for natural flavoring substances.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Butyl isovalerate is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in fruit flavors such as apple, pear, and tropical blends. It functions as an impact note, providing a fresh and fruity character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with industry-typical concentrations often around 10 ppm. 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, butyl isovalerate is utilized in various fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and gourmand compositions. It acts as a modifier or impact note, enhancing the freshness and sweetness of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from trace amounts to 1%, depending on the desired effect. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance.

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 09.010.
• 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, butyl isovalerate is considered safe at typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but generally recognized as safe under FEMA GRAS. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications shows low irritation potential, with no significant sensitization reported. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, though occupational exposure should be monitored. Risk profiles are similar across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Butyl 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 notes, enhancing the overall profile. Formulators should be cautious of overuse, which can lead to an overly synthetic 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 butyl isovalerate 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 2026-05-27 06:14:39 GMT (p2)