Isopentyl phenylacetate

Description

Isoamyl phenylacetate has a sweet, pleasant odor reminiscent of cocoa with a slight birch-tar undertone. May be prepared by esterification of phenylacetic acid with isoamyl alcohol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid; by heating benzyl nitrile and isoamyl alcohol in the presence of excess concentrated H2S04.

Chemical properties

Isoamyl phenylacetate has a sweet, pleasant odor reminiscent of cocoa with a slight birch-tar undertone.
Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and oils.

Occurrence

Reported found in peppermint oil.

The Uses of Isopentyl phenylacetate

Used in Carnation and other perfume compositions for its sweetness, fruity, almost rosy notes, delicate floralness and good performance in talcum and other functional products. Finds extensive use in flavor compositions for imitation Butter, Chocolate, Cocoa, Honey, Licorice, Peach, etc. With traces of Castoreum, il introduces interesting effects in Cocoa, and Anethole gives naturalness to Licorice flavoring. Due to its high boiling point, it performs excellently in baked goods.

Preparation

By esterification of phenylacetic acid with isoamyl alcohol in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid; by heating benzyl nitrile and isoamyl alcohol in the presence of excess concentrated H2SO4

Definition

ChEBI: 3-Methylbutyl phenylacetate is a member of benzenes.

Aroma threshold values

Aroma characteristics at 1%: sweet, honey, chocolate with a rosy floral nuance.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 5 to 10 ppm: warm rosy honey with phenyl chocolate nuances and dried fruit notes.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified