Methyl Butyrate, with CAS number 623-42-7, is a synthetic aroma chemical commonly used in perfumery for its fruity and sweet characteristics, reminiscent of apples and other ripe fruits. It is often employed in fruity accords, where it can enhance the overall freshness and juiciness of a fragrance. Methyl Butyrate typically sits in the top to middle notes of a formula, contributing to the initial impression of a scent and providing a vibrant, uplifting quality. In terms of safety and regulatory considerations, Methyl Butyrate is generally regarded as safe for use in cosmetics and fragrances, but as with many synthetic aroma chemicals, it is important to adhere to recommended usage levels to avoid potential skin sensitization. While specific IFRA restrictions may apply, it is advisable for formulators to consult the latest guidelines and safety data to ensure compliance and safe usage in their formulations. — AI-generated summary, 2026-09-02.
A sharp, ethereal fruity ester with a bright apple and pineapple character, backed by a slightly solvent-like, rummy nuance. Very volatile and diffusive on first sniff, quickly fading to a light sweet-fruity trace.AI · claude-opus-4-7
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Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, page 828.
Colorless mobile liquid.
1.6% soluble in water, miscible with alcohol, propylene glycol and oils.
Very diffusive and penetrating, sweet-ethereal, fruity odor. In extreme dilution reminiscent of apple peel with a slightly fatty peach-like undertone.
Sweet, but not very powerful taste in aqueous media. Apple-like or banana-pineapple-like in dilutions below 100 ppm.
This ester is occasionally used as a masking agent in industrial perfumes especially where the problem is to mask very volatile malodors. The type of odor is particularly suitable to cover sulfuraceous odors.
It is, however, much more widely used in flavor compositions for imitation apple, banana, pineapple, melon, peach, rum and arak, and in various fruit complexes.
Produced by direct esterification of methanol with n-butyric acid preferably under azeotropic conditions.