METHYL VALERATE

Description

Methyl pentanoate, commonly known as methyl valerate, is the methyl ester of pentanoic acid (valeric acid) with a fruity odor.
Methyl pentanoate is commonly used in fragrances, beauty care, soap, laundry detergents at levels of 0.1 – 1 % .
In a very pure form ( greater than 99.5 % ) it is used as a plasticizer in the manufacture of plastics.
It is also used as an insecticide.

Chemical properties

clear colorless liquid

Chemical properties

Methyl valerate has a pungent, green-fruity odor that is apple- and pineapple-like with a corresponding flavor at 1 0 - 5 0 ppm. May be prepared by direct esterification of the valeric acid with methanol in the presence of concentrated H2S04; note: this ester hydrolyzes readily.

Chemical properties

Methyl valerate has a pungent, green-fruity odor, apple and pineapple-like. It has a similar flavor at 10 to 50 ppm

Occurrence

Reported found in small amounts in the essential oil from the fruits of Ananas sativus Schult. Also reported present in apple, coffee, honey, kiwi, melon, papaya, pineapple, strawberry, tea, wine, blackberry, baked potato, olive, starfruit, passion fruit, soursop, Bourbon vanilla, mountain papaya and naranjilla fruit.

The Uses of METHYL VALERATE

Methyl valerate can be used:

• In the preparation of lankacidin C 8-valerate.
• As a reactant to synthesize bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) 2-oxoalkylphosphonates.
• As a substrate in the fluorination reactions of unactivated C(sp³)H bonds using decatungstate photocatalyst and N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide.

Preparation

By direct esterification of valeric acid with methanol in the presence of concentrated H2SO4. Note: This ester hydrolyzes readily

What are the applications of Application

Methyl valerate is primarily used in flavor compositions, although it occasionally finds application in certain phases of perfumery (masking, household products of certain type, etc.).
Its Apple-like character is useful in fruit complexes where diffusive power is desirable (chewing gum, etc.) and it performs very well in Pineapple or fantasy flavors.

Aroma threshold values

Detection: 20 to 89 ppb

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 20 ppm: sweet, ripe, fruity with sweaty, dairy and cheesy nuance

Synthesis Reference(s)

Journal of the American Chemical Society, 97, p. 1180, 1975 DOI: 10.1021/ja00838a036

General Description

Clear colorless to yellowish oily liquid.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

METHYL VALERATE 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. METHYL VALERATE reacts with oxidizing agents, bases and acids.

Fire Hazard

METHYL VALERATE is flammable.

Flammability and Explosibility

Flammable