2-methylbutyric acid

2-Methylbutyric acid (CAS 116-53-0), also known by its FEMA 2695 designation, is a short-chain branched organic acid used primarily as a flavoring agent and fragrance ingredient.

Where is 2-methylbutyric acid used?

• Food and beverage: flavor compound contributing to dairy, fruit, and savory taste profiles in cheese analogs, snack seasonings, and processed meat flavors
• Fragrance and personal care: sharp, fermented note adding depth in soaps, shampoos, and fine fragrances
• Cosmetics: acidic buffering that supports product stability
• Flavor houses use it as a building block for synthesizing complex ester-based aroma chemicals.

Good to know: At controlled concentrations it also acts as a pH modifier and mild preservative. Food-grade quality meets FEMA and FCC standards; technical grade is used for industrial and fragrance applications.

Commercial specifications

• Packaging from small drums to bulk quantities