Ethyl isovalerate

Chemical properties

clear colorless to pale yellowish liquid

Chemical properties

Ethyl Isovalerate is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor reminiscent of blueberries. It occurs in fruits, vegetables, and alcoholic beverages. It is used in fruit aroma compositions.

Chemical properties

Ethyl isovalerate has a strong, fruity, vinous, apple-like odor on dilution.

Occurrence

Reported found in pineapple, orange juice and peel oil, bilberry, blueberry, strawberry, Swiss cheese, other cheeses, beer, cognac, rum, cider, whiskey, sherry, grape wines, cocoa, passion fruit, mango and mussels.

The Uses of Ethyl isovalerate

In alcohol solution for flavoring confectionery and beverages.

Definition

ChEBI: The fatty acid ethyl ester of isovaleric acid.

Preparation

By esterification of isovaleric acid with ethyl alcohol in the presence of concentrated H2SO4.

Production Methods

Ethyl isovalerate is produced by combining isovaleric acid and ethanol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid ester followed by distillation .

Aroma threshold values

Detection: 0.01 to 0.4 ppb

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 30 ppm: fruity, sweet, estry and berry-like with a ripe, pulpy fruity nuance.

General Description

A colorless oily liquid with a strong odor similar to apples. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. Flash point 77°F. May mildly irritate skin and eyes.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

ETHYL ISOVALERATE 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.

Carcinogenicity

Not listed by ACGIH, California Proposition 65, IARC, NTP, or OSHA.

Purification Methods

Wash the ester with aqueous 5% Na2CO3, then saturated aqueous CaCl2. Dry it over CaSO4 and distil. [Beilstein 2 IV 898.]