Ethyl isobutyrate

Chemical properties

CLEAR COLOURLESS LIQUID

Chemical properties

Ethyl isobutyrate has a fruity aromatic odor.

Occurrence

Reported found in apple juice, banana, chocolate, cognac, Concord grape, honey, apricot, orange, pineapple, rum, strawberry, strawberry oil, watermelon, whiskey, champagne wine, grape wine, beer, port, passion fruit wine, sherry wine, orange juice, papaya, mango, kiwi fruit, quince, spineless monkey orange (Strychnos madagasc.), spearmint oil and Parmesan cheese.

The Uses of Ethyl isobutyrate

Ethyl Isobutyrate is a synthetic flavoring agent that is a stable, colorless liquid of dry, fruity odor. it should be stored in tin, glass, or resin-lined containers. it is used to give fruity effects to flavors for applications in candy, baked goods, and beverages at 10–100 ppm.

The Uses of Ethyl isobutyrate

It is employed to make flavoring compounds and essences, as a flavoring agent and to flavor animal feeds.

Definition

ChEBI: Ethyl isobutyrate is a fatty acid methyl ester obtained by the formal condensation of isobutyric acid with ethanol. It has a role as a metabolite. It is functionally related to an isobutyric acid.

Preparation

By esterification of ethanol with isobutyric acid under azeotropic conditions.

Aroma threshold values

Detection: 0.01 to 1 ppb

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 12.5 ppm: pungent, ethereal and fruity with a rum- and eggnog-like nuance. Taste characteristics at 20 ppm: sweet, ethereal, fruity with a rum-like nuance

Synthesis Reference(s)

Tetrahedron, 27, p. 2671, 1971 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4020(01)98056-1
Tetrahedron Letters, 28, p. 953, 1987 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(00)95884-2

General Description

Ethyl isobutyrate appears as a colorless volatile liquid with a fruity, aromatic odor. Less dense than water and insoluble in water. Vapors heavier than air. May irritate skin and eyes. Used to make flavoring extracts and other chemicals.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

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

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

Fire Hazard

HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by intraperitoneal route. A skin irritant. Flammable liquid. A very dangerous fire hazard when exposed to heat or flame; can react vigorously with oxidizing materials. To fight fire, use foam, CO2, dry chemical. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See also ESTERS.

Purification Methods

Wash the ester with aqueous 5% Na2CO3, then with saturated aqueous CaCl2. Dry it over CaSO4 and distil. [Beilstein 1 IV 846.]