Ethyl 2-methylbutyrate

Chemical properties

clear colorless liquid

Chemical properties

Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate is a liquid with a green, fruity odor reminiscent of apples. It is found, for example, in citrus fruits and wild berries and is used in fruit flavor compositions.

Chemical properties

Ethyl 2-methylbutyrate has a powerful, green-fruity, apple-like odor.

Occurrence

Reported found in nature; the ethyl l-methylbutyrate has been identified in strawberry juice; because of the presence of the asymmetric carbon, the compound should exhibit optically active forms as well as the racemic form; however, only the d-form and the racemic form are known. Reported found in apple juice, orange and grapefruit juice, bilberry, pineapple, strawberry, cheeses, milk, cognac, rum, whiskey, cider, mango, mountain papaya, spineless monkey orange (Strychnos madagasc.), Chinese quince and German chamomile oil.

The Uses of Ethyl 2-methylbutyrate

Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate-d9 is deuterium labelled ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, which is an ester that has a sweet, apple-like aroma. Ethyl 2-methylbutyrate is naturally found in apples, cherries and orange juice.

What are the applications of Application

Ethyl 2-methylbutyrate is a primary component to the aroma of baked wine, and a contributor to the aroma of fresh strawberries

Preparation

The racemic form can be prepared catalytically by several methods: from butene and Ni(CO)4 under nitrogen in ethyl alcohol/acetic acid solution, or from ethylene and CO under pressure using HBF4 and HF as catalysts.

Definition

ChEBI: Ethyl 2-methylbutyrate is a fatty acid ethyl ester obtained by the formal condensation of 2-methylbutyric acid with ethanol. It is a constituent of the aroma of wines, strawberries, blueberries, and apples. It has a role as a flavouring agent, a plant metabolite, a human metabolite and a fragrance. It is a volatile organic compound and a fatty acid ethyl ester. It is functionally related to an ethanol and a 2-methylbutyric acid.

Aroma threshold values

Detection: 0.01 to 0.1 ppb

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 40 ppm: fruity, green, berry, strawberry, fresh apple, pineapple and raspberry

General Description

A colorless oily liquid with a fruity odor. Insoluble in water and less dense than water. Flash point 73°F. Contact may irritate skin, eyes and mucous membranes.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

ETHYL-2-METHYL BUTYRATE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides.

Health Hazard

Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Combustible liquid. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Solubility in organics

Very slightly soluble in water, soluble in alcohol and Propylene glycol, miscible with perfume and flavor oils.