Flavors & Fragrances
REACH
Methyl butyrate
CAS Number
623-42-7
EC Number
210-792-1
FEMA Number
FEMA 2693
What is Methyl butyrate?
Methyl butyrate (CAS 623-42-7), also recognized in flavor trade as FEMA 2693, is a fruit-forward ester used primarily as a flavoring agent and fragrance ingredient.
Where is Methyl butyrate used?
- Food and beverage: builds tropical and orchard fruit flavor profiles in confectionery and dairy products
- Fragrance and personal care: fresh, fruity top note in shampoos, lotions and soaps
- Lubricant and metalworking: synthetic ester base or additive for controlled viscosity and lubricity
- Specialty chemical processing: solvent or carrier in ester-based media
- It serves as a target compound for food technologists.
Good to know: Food-grade material conforming to FEMA 2693 specifications is the standard commercial form; technical-grade material is available where flavor-grade certification is not required.
Commercial specifications
- Clear, mobile liquid in drum and IBC quantities
- Food-grade conforming to FEMA 2693
Other Names (Synonyms)
n-butyric acid methyl ester|methyl n-butyrate|methyl n-butanoate|methyl ester of butanoic acid|methyl butanoate|butyric acid, methyl ester|butanoic acid, methyl ester
What are the physical properties of Methyl butyrate?
Melting Point -85.8 °C
Boiling Point 102.8 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density 0.8984 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point 53 °F
Appearance colourless liquid
Color Clear colorless to very slightly yellow
Odor at 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol. fruity apple sweet banana pineapple
Form Liquid
Water Solubility Slightly soluble in water.
Vapor Pressure 40 mm Hg ( 30 °C)
Refractive Index n 20/D 1.385(lit.)
Log P 1.24
How is Methyl butyrate classified and handled safely? Learn More
Danger
GHS02· Flammable
Hazard Statements
H225 Highly Flammable liquid and vapor
Precautionary Statements
P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking.
P233 Keep container tightly closed.
P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment.
P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment.
Which trade and regulatory codes apply to Methyl butyrate?
HS Code 29156000
UN Number 1237
ADR Class 3
Packing Group II
WGK (Germany) 2