Description
Methyl 4-phenylbutyrate has a powerful, sweet, fruity, floral odor.
Below 10 ppm, the flavor is extremely sweet and fruity. May be
prepared by direct esterification of γγ-butyric acid.
Chemical Properties
Methyl 4-phenylbutyrate has a powerful, sweet, fruity, floral odor. The flavor becomes extremely sweet and fruity at
concentrations below 10 ppm
Uses
Methyl 4-phenylbutanoate finds some use in flavor compositions, mainly as a modifier in Strawberry imitation, where is seems to do a better job, although perhaps not with the same power-as Methyl cinnamate and Methyl-hydrocinnamate. It is also used in trace amounts in Honey imitations and in various fruit complexes.
Definition
ChEBI: Methyl 4-phenylbutanoate is a fatty acid methyl ester.
Preparation
By direct esterification of γ-butyric acid.
Synthesis
Methyl 4-phenylbutyrate is synthesized by direct esterification of gamma-Phenylbutyric acid, which may be obtained from Benzoyl propionic acid by Clemmensen type reduction.
