Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate lands on the list of esters that always leave a mark, especially thanks to its distinct fruity aroma. Chemically, this compound falls under the class of carboxylic acid esters, holding the molecular formula C7H14O2. The formula expresses a structure made of an ethyl group linked to a 2-methylbutanoic acid backbone. As far as physical form goes, Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate shows up as a clear, colorless liquid at room temperature. The liquid carries a strong, recognizable scent a lot like apples or pineapple, which makes it a regular raw material in the food and fragrance industries.
Structurally speaking, the compound presents a typical ester functional group—an oxygen atom double-bonded to a carbon, which is in turn linked to another oxygen atom bonded to an ethyl group. The specific layout of 2-methylbutanoate gives the molecule its unique shape and reactivity. While the backbone contains a four-carbon chain with a methyl group attached to the second carbon, the ethyl side brings in a two-carbon chain. This branch in the carbon skeleton influences the volatility, boiling point, and the solubility profile. The IUPAC classification calls this chemical ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, matching its straightforward linear and branched hydrocarbon construction.
Looking closer at the measurable features, Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate presents a density around 0.868 g/cm³ at 20°C. It comes across as lighter than water, which is not rare for small esters. The molecular weight registers at 130.18 g/mol, providing a good baseline for calculations in lab-scale reactions and industrial batching. The boiling point tends to hover near 119°C, a manageable range for distillation and easy removal after reaction. Standard material safety data sheets flag this compound as flammable, with a flash point about 22°C, so working in a well-ventilated area and keeping ignition sources away just makes sense. In pure form, no one’s finding this chemical in solid, powdered, flaked, pearled, or crystalline forms—practically every commercial sample turns up as a mobile, oily liquid, clear and colorless, standing out mostly for its aroma and volatility.
Anyone who’s worked in flavor formulations or fragrances quickly recognizes Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate by smell. It’s what gives certain apple and pineapple notes their kick in everything from candy and beverages to perfumes and cosmetics. Far as the raw material angle goes, this ester shows up in sizeable batches wherever fruit flavors or overtones matter. The HS Code most often referenced for trade is 2915.39, grouping it under organic esters. While it adds zip to flavors, the chemical doesn’t stay friendly in large doses: exposure may lead to eye, skin, or respiratory irritation. Swallowing high concentrations causes stomach upset or worse, nudging this compound into the “harmful” classification for handling and storage. Standard safety gear—splash goggles, gloves, and effective ventilation—keeps the hazard level down. On the environmental side, the volatility means it can vaporize and drift away, so spill management and capture under fume extraction helps control exposure.
In water, Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate shows limited solubility—no surprise, given the non-polar character of much of the molecule. It mixes freely with standard organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and acetone, which lines up with its use in blending flavors or fragrances where swift dispersion is important. The ester linkage stands stable under neutral and mild basic conditions, but strong acids or bases prompt hydrolysis, splitting the molecule up into ethyl alcohol and 2-methylbutanoic acid. This brings up important handling notes for anyone storing or transporting bulk raw materials: moisture and alkaline substances push the compound toward breakdown, so keeping containers tightly capped and stored in dry, neutral pH environments protects product value.
Most suppliers distribute Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate in 1-liter glass or steel bottles, bulk drums, or container totes, always as a liquid. Its physical profile resists formation of any notable solid (including flakes, powders, or crystals) at practical temperatures and pressures—the only time this ester might solidify is far below freezing, which doesn’t come up in standard warehousing or freight. The lightweight density and distinctive fragrance mean shipping companies classify it under flammable liquids, so regulatory documentation, splash-resistant packaging, and temperature monitoring all remain critical for compliance and safety. On large manufacturing sites, proper labeling and sealed transfer lines help both environmental and worker protection.
Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate owes its commercial life to the ready availability of its precursors—mainly ethanol and 2-methylbutanoic acid. These feedstocks keep production costs predictable and help ensure a consistent global supply chain. The industries tapping into this chemical rely not just on its aroma, but also on its predictable boiling points and solvency, making it a stalwart in everything from flavor compounds to chemical synthesis intermediates. For plant managers or R&D chemists, reliability in physical properties and transparent supply documentation give Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate an edge in recipe management and project scale-up.
Despite its benign role in flavorings and scent blends, Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate poses concerns that need straightforward answers. Accidental exposure, especially in high concentrations or poorly ventilated areas, stirs up health complaints. So workplace air monitoring and routine safety training for staff keep these risks under control. Leaks or spills issue another call for management: rapid containment and proper disposal protocols prevent chemical runoff from reaching waterways or air vents. The product’s volatility makes secondary containment—closed cabinets, secure drums, and frequent site inspections—a simple but effective strategy for risk reduction. For labs or manufacturers looking for greener profiles, switching to closed-loop systems or using bio-ethanol for synthesis could further buffer environmental impacts. Detailed hazard communication and transparent batch testing reassure downstream users and uphold standards that meet both regulatory and ethical bars.
Customs tracking for Ethyl 2-methylbutanoate sticks with HS Code 2915.39. This code covers a broad family of esters, easing global trade but also placing a burden on suppliers to deliver purity documentation and safety validation. Any batch heading to food, beverage, or cosmetic markets passes through quality control labs for assurance against contaminants. Storage, labeling, and use procedures flow directly from national chemical safety codes, often modeled on guidelines from the UN, European Union, and major trading partners. The documentation aligns with the E-E-A-T principles—transparency, expertise, and traceability remain central to every exchange, from producer to end user.
