Isobutyric acid
Description
Isobutyric acid (CAS 79-31-2), also known as isobutanoic acid, is a short-chain branched carboxylic acid used across food, fragrance, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. It functions primarily as a chemical intermediate and flavoring agent.
The compound is identified by FEMA 2222 and serves as a pH regulator in industrial and specialty formulations. In flavor and fragrance production, it serves as a precursor to isobutyrate esters.
These compounds deliver fruity, cheesy, and buttery notes in food products and perfumery. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a synthetic intermediate in the production of active ingredients and excipients.
It is particularly useful for applications requiring branched-chain acid building blocks. In personal care formulations, isobutyrate derivatives contribute to fragrance profiles in lotions and shampoos.
The acid also functions as a catalyst precursor and pH-adjusting agent in specialty chemical synthesis and fermentation processes. It is supplied as a colorless liquid in drum, IBC, and bulk quantities.
Food-grade material meeting FCC specifications is available for flavor and food additive applications. Technical-grade material is offered for industrial synthesis and non-food uses.
Physical Properties
| Melting Point | -47 °C |
| Boiling Point | 152-155 °C @ Press: 760 Torr |
| Density | 0.950 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C |
| Flash Point | 132 °F |
| Appearance | clear colourless liquid |
| Color | Clear colorless |
| Odor | at 1.00 % in propylene glycol. acidic sour cheese dairy buttery rancid |
| Form | Liquid |
| Water Solubility | 210 g/L (20 ºC) |
| Vapor Pressure | 1.5 mm Hg ( 20 °C) |
| Refractive Index | n 20/D 1.393(lit.) |
| pH | 2.3 (500g/l, H2O, 25℃) |
| Log P | 1.1 at 25℃ |
Safety & Handling (Learn More)
Trade & Regulatory
| HS Code | 29156000 |
| UN Number | 2529 |
| ADR Class | 3 |
| Packing Group | III |
| Storage Class | 3 - Flammable liquids |
| WGK (Germany) | 1 |
Documentation
Other Names
isopropylformic acid|isobutanoic acid|iso-C3H7COOH|i-butyric acid|alpha-methylpropionic acid|alpha-methylpropanoic acid|alpha-isobutyric acid|a-methylpropionic acid
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