What Is Isopropyl Methyl-2-Butyrate?
Isopropyl Methyl-2-Butyrate is a small fruity-smelling ester used by perfumers when they want a fresh juicy pear or apple lift. The material is sold under a trademark by Givaudan yet other aroma houses may offer identical versions under generic names.
The molecule is made through a simple esterification of isopropyl alcohol with a branched C-4 acid. This straightforward synthesis keeps production scalable and consistent, so supply is rarely an issue.
At room temperature you will see a clear colorless liquid that looks almost like water but moves with a slightly oilier flow. It pours easily and evaporates fast which already hints at its role in a perfume.
In commercial compounding the ingredient is fairly common. It shows up in fine fragrance, functional products like shampoos and even scented candles where a quick fruity pop is wanted.
Shelf life is generous for such a light ester. When kept sealed and away from heat or direct sunlight it normally stays fresh for around two years before the odour dulls.
Cost sits at the lower to mid range for aroma chemicals. That makes it attractive for large-volume applications where keeping the budget in check matters.
Isopropyl Methyl-2-Butyrate’s Scent Description
Perfumers group this molecule in the fruity family. Off a blotter it opens with an instant burst of ripe pear, crisp green apple and a splash of pineapple juice. Within seconds a leafy greenness comes through, giving the fruit a freshly sliced feeling rather than a syrupy one.
There is also a faint coolness that reads almost fizzy, helping the note cut through heavier accords. No obvious sweetness builds over time so the effect stays light airy and mouth-watering.
In the classic top, middle and base structure this is firmly a top note. It rockets off the strip then fades leaving just a whisper of pear skin. The main show lasts under an hour which is why perfumers often reinforce it with longer lived partners.
Projection is high during the first few minutes because of the material’s volatility. Longevity is short but that quick bloom is exactly why it is loved for giving the first impression of freshness.
How & Where To Use Isopropyl Methyl-2-Butyrate
Perfumers pull this ester into a formula when they need a quick pop of crisp fruit that sounds natural rather than candied. It shines in pear and apple themes yet it also lifts pineapple accords or even a peach note that feels too heavy. When a floral bouquet smells flat a touch of this material can add sparkling freshness without forcing the fragrance into full fruit territory.
Typical use sits between 0.2 percent and 2 percent of the finished concentrate. At 0.1 percent it gives a gentle pear breath that blends into the background. Around 1 percent the fruit turns vivid and green. Push it past 3 percent and the note can become piercing, almost solvent like, and may dominate more delicate materials. Over-use also shortens the perceived life of the composition because the volatile burst evaporates fast leaving a thin gap before the heart appears.
This ingredient pairs best with other light esters such as ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, leafy molecules like cis-3-hexenol and soft white florals. It rarely works in darker gourmand or ambery bases unless the goal is a deliberate contrast. In soap or detergent bars it survives the alkaline environment well, giving a bright top bloom out of the pack. In fine fragrance it is valued for the first impression on blotter and on skin though its one-hour tenacity means it always needs support from longer living fruit molecules.
No special prep is needed beyond a standard 10 percent dilution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before evaluation. The neat material is easy to weigh, pours smoothly and mixes readily with most solvents. Just be mindful that its high vapor pressure can cause slight scale drift if you leave the bottle uncapped while weighing.
Safely Using Isopropyl Methyl-2-Butyrate
Dilution is key so prepare a 10 percent or weaker solution before smelling. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle because the concentrated vapors can irritate the nose and dull your sense of smell. Always work in a well-ventilated space to prevent a buildup of fumes. Gloves and safety glasses protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
This ester is considered low risk at normal working levels yet any aroma chemical can provoke skin irritation or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals. Brief exposure to low concentrations is usually safe but prolonged handling of high strengths can dry the skin or cause headaches. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult your healthcare provider before regular use.
Keep the liquid away from open flames as it is flammable. Clean small spills with absorbent paper then dispose of the waste in a sealed container. Never pour excess down the drain because the strong odor can linger in plumbing.
For complete and current guidance always review the supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet and recheck it periodically as updates may appear. Follow the latest IFRA standards regarding maximum dosage in each product category to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Isopropyl Methyl-2-Butyrate
Keep the neat material in a tightly sealed glass or aluminum bottle placed in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or sunlight. A refrigerator at 5-10 °C is even better if you have the space because lower temperature slows oxidation and helps the scent stay crisp for longer.
Use polycone caps for both the stock and any dilutions. These caps squeeze against the bottle neck and make a stronger seal than dropper tops which often let air creep back inside. Each time you decant try to top up the container so there is as little headspace as possible. Less air means fewer oxygen molecules to dull the aroma.
Label every bottle clearly with the chemical name lot number date of receipt and standard hazard phrases. Bright waterproof tape or printed stickers work well. Good labeling prevents mix-ups and reminds anyone handling the bottle to treat it with care.
Store away from acids bases and strong oxidizers to avoid unwanted reactions. Keep absorbent pads or vermiculite close by so small spills can be blotted quickly then sealed in a waste drum.
When the ester reaches end of life do not pour it into sinks or outdoor drains. Take neat leftovers to a local hazardous waste facility or hand them to a licensed disposal company. Small diluted amounts can sometimes be evaporated in a fume hood onto absorbent material that is then bagged and thrown out with chemical waste. The molecule is readily biodegradable under normal conditions yet the concentrated odor can linger in plumbing and may upset aquatic life which is why controlled disposal is best.
Summary
Isopropyl Methyl-2-Butyrate is a budget friendly fruity ester from Givaudan that bursts with pear pineapple and green apple freshness. It works as a bright top note adding natural sparkle to fine fragrance soaps detergents and air care when used at 0.2 – 2 percent.
Light clear and easy to blend it pairs well with other esters and florals but fades in about an hour so it needs longer lasting fruits for support. It holds up in alkaline bases and high pH soap which adds to its popularity yet the scent is quite specific so too much can overpower delicate formulas.
Cost is modest and stability is good if stored cold and tightly capped. You can order full drums directly from Givaudan or buy smaller hobby sizes through speciality fragrance suppliers who re-bottle under the same CAS number. With a little care in handling this ester remains a handy tool whenever a fresh juicy fruit note is on your brief.