FlavScents AInsights Entry for Methyl Butyrate (CAS: 623-42-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Methyl Butyrate
• IUPAC Name: Methyl butanoate
• CAS Number: 623-42-7
• FEMA Number: 2707
• Other Identifiers: FL No. 09.008
• Molecular Formula: C5H10O2
• Molecular Weight: 102.13 g/mol
• Functional Groups and Structure–Odor Relevance: Methyl butyrate is an ester, characterized by its fruity odor, which is a result of the ester functional group. This structure is crucial for its application in flavor and fragrance industries, providing a sweet, fruity aroma reminiscent of apples and pineapples.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Methyl butyrate is known for its sweet, fruity odor with notes of apple and pineapple. It is often described as having a medium intensity and good diffusion properties, making it a popular choice for imparting a fresh, fruity character in both flavors and fragrances. The taste threshold is relatively low, allowing it to be effective even at minimal concentrations. Typically, it serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a distinct fruity aroma that enhances the overall sensory experience.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Methyl butyrate occurs naturally in various fruits, including apples, bananas, and strawberries. It is formed through enzymatic esterification processes in these fruits, where butyric acid reacts with methanol. This compound is often used to enhance the "natural flavor" designation in products due to its presence in nature and its ability to mimic the aroma of fresh fruits.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Methyl butyrate is widely used in the flavor industry, particularly in fruit-flavored products such as candies, beverages, and desserts. It functions as a key impact note, providing a fresh, fruity aroma that enhances the overall flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense fruit flavors. 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, methyl butyrate is used in a variety of fragrance families, including fruity, floral, and gourmand. It acts as a modifier and impact note, contributing a fresh, fruity top note that enhances the overall fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from trace amounts to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, providing an initial burst of freshness.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Methyl butyrate is approved by the FDA and is listed as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
• European Union: It is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number.
• United Kingdom: Post-Brexit, the regulatory status aligns with the EU, with no significant divergence reported.
• Asia: In Japan and China, methyl butyrate is permitted for use in flavors, with specific regulations varying by country.
• Latin America: Countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR recognize methyl butyrate for use in flavors, with harmonized regulations in place.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Methyl butyrate is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications at typical exposure levels. For oral exposure, it has a high margin of safety, with no adverse effects reported at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility and typical use concentrations. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant safety concerns.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Methyl butyrate is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, fruity aroma that enhances both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other fruity and floral notes, providing a balanced and appealing sensory profile. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma, and instability under extreme processing conditions. It is frequently under-used in complex formulations where its impact note can provide a significant sensory lift.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on methyl butyrate is well-established, with comprehensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in typical use levels and regulatory interpretations across regions. Known data gaps are minimal, with most information being consistent and reliable.

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 2026-04-08 10:18:41 GMT (p2)