What Is Ethyl Isovalerate?
Ethyl Isovalerate is an aroma molecule that belongs to the ester family. Symrise offers a high-purity grade of it, although other suppliers sell comparable versions under the same name.
The material is made by reacting isovaleric acid with ethanol in the presence of an acidic catalyst. The result is a clear colorless liquid that stays fluid at normal room temperature and has a light fruity smell even before dilution.
Because the raw materials are easy to source the finished ester tends to fall on the inexpensive side of the price spectrum which makes it popular with both artisan and large-scale perfumers. Its straightforward manufacture also means supply is steady so shortages are rare.
Users can expect an unopened drum or bottle to stay within specification for at least two years if kept under the proper storage conditions that we will cover later. After that point the scent can start to lose a bit of brightness but the material usually remains workable for a good while longer.
The ingredient shows up in fine fragrance work as well as shampoos soaps candles and household cleaners thanks to its friendly cost profile and easy blending behavior.
Ethyl Isovalerate’s Scent Description
This ester sits firmly in the fruity family. On a blotter it bursts out with a bright mix of ripe berries and fresh banana backed by a hint of pear candy. The fruit impression feels juicy rather than syrupy so the note reads natural and uplifting.
The aroma comes alive fast which places the molecule in the top to upper-middle register of a perfume. It gives an initial flash of sweetness then settles into a softer berry nuance that can last for a couple of hours on paper before fading out.
Projection is moderate; it radiates enough to be noticed without shouting across a room. Longevity is likewise moderate. Blended at the usual low percentages it supports the opening and early heart of a scent leaving space for longer lasting woods musks or balsams to take over later.
Because its character is so immediately lovable Ethyl Isovalerate is often used to freshen fruit accords brighten floral bouquets or add a happy twist to gourmand themes.
How & Where To Use Ethyl Isovalerate
Perfumers reach for Ethyl Isovalerate whenever they need an instant pop of realistic fruit. It shines in the top notes of berry cocktails, banana accords, pear twists and even playful tropical blends. Because it feels juicy rather than jammy it freshens rather than weighing down a formula, making it perfect for light colognes, shampoo fragrances and room sprays that aim for a carefree vibe.
It also partners well with floral materials such as jasmine, rose or peony where a touch of sweet fruit can lift the bouquet. A few drops paired with aldehydes create a sparkling opening, while blending it with lactones boosts creaminess in gourmand or cosmetic styles. In woody or musky bases a trace can soften rough edges and add a friendly first impression before the deeper notes emerge.
The usual working range sits between 0.05 % and 1 % of total concentrate. Above 1 % the note can start to dominate, turning overly banana like and slightly solventy. At extreme levels (3 %–5 %) it may flatten a blend by masking delicate nuances and can even shorten overall wear time because of its high volatility. Most perfumers therefore keep it at 0.3 % or below for fine fragrance and closer to 0.5 %–1 % for functional products where immediate impact matters.
Concentration changes its personality. In very low trace amounts it merely adds lift and mouth-watering juiciness. At moderate dosing it becomes a clear mixed-fruit statement. Push it higher and the banana side grows, which can be appealing in playful toiletries but less so in elegant perfumes. Trial blends at several dilutions are the quickest way to find the sweet spot for your concept.
The molecule dissolves easily in ethanol, triethyl citrate or most perfume oils, so no advanced prep is required. A 10 % solution in alcohol gives convenient drop-by-drop control during formula trials. If you work in a warm studio keep the stock bottle tightly closed, as its 28 °C flash point means vapors appear quickly. Always label any dilution with name, date and strength to avoid later confusion.
Safety Information
When handled correctly Ethyl Isovalerate is considered a low-hazard material yet certain precautions and considerations still apply.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 1 %–10 % solution in alcohol or dipropylene glycol before evaluation to avoid overwhelming the nose
- Never smell directly from the bottle: waft the diluted blotter toward your nose instead of inhaling concentrated fumes
- Work in good ventilation: a running fume hood or open window reduces the chance of inhaling high vapor levels due to its low flash point
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: this prevents accidental skin contact or splashes to the eyes during weighing and pouring
- Health considerations: esters can trigger irritation or allergic responses in sensitive individuals, brief low-level exposure is generally safe yet prolonged or high-concentration contact should be avoided, consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Always review the most recent Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and check it regularly as revisions occur. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum allowable levels in your chosen product category to ensure both regulatory compliance and consumer safety.
How To Store & Dispose of Ethyl Isovalerate
Keep the bottle in a cool dark spot away from direct sunlight heaters or any open flame. A dedicated cabinet or closed box on a low shelf works well in most home or studio labs. Refrigeration can slow down oxidation and extend brightness yet is not essential as long as room temperatures stay below 25 °C.
Always seal the container with a tight polycone cap. These liners create a snug fit that blocks air transfer far better than glass droppers or pipette tops. For daily use transfer a small amount to a working vial and leave the main stock as full as possible so less oxygen sits above the liquid.
Label every bottle and dilution with the material name date strength and key safety notes. Clear labels prevent mix-ups and help track age so you know when the aroma starts to drift.
If you spill any, wipe it up right away with paper towels then wash the area with soapy water. The ester is flammable at only 28 °C flash point so remove ignition sources before mopping up.
Disposal is straightforward because the molecule is readily biodegradable. Small test dilutions can usually go down the drain with plenty of running water if local rules allow. For larger volumes collect the liquid in a sealed container and hand it to a licensed waste contractor or community hazardous waste drop-off. Rinse empty bottles three times, let them air dry then recycle or discard following municipal guidelines.
Summary
Ethyl Isovalerate is a fruity ester from Symrise known for its bright mix of berries and banana. It delivers an instant juicy pop that lifts top notes in fine fragrance shampoos soaps cleaners and candles.
The material is affordable easy to blend and stable for at least two years when stored in a cool dark place with a tight cap. Its scent sits in the opening of a perfume so it pairs best with longer-lasting woods musks or florals that take over later. Keep dosage under 1 % to avoid an overpowering banana twist.
Thanks to ready availability the chemical is stocked by major raw-material houses in drum or pail sizes. Hobby perfumers can find smaller decants from specialty resellers and generic suppliers that re-bottle it into 100 ml or even 10 ml portions.
With its friendly cost profile and crowd-pleasing smell Ethyl Isovalerate remains a staple for anyone building fresh fruit accords or adding a smile to everyday scented products.