Description
Methyl pentanoate, commonly known as methyl valerate, is the methyl ester of pentanoic acid (valeric acid) with a fruity odor.
Methyl pentanoate is commonly used in fragrances, beauty care, soap, laundry detergents at levels of 0.1 – 1 % .
In a very pure form ( greater than 99.5 % ) it is used as a plasticizer in the manufacture of plastics.
It is also used as an insecticide.
Chemical Properties
clear colorless liquid
Chemical Properties
Methyl valerate has a pungent, green-fruity odor, apple and pineapple-like. It has a similar flavor at 10 to 50 ppm
Chemical Properties
Methyl valerate has a pungent, green-fruity odor that is apple- and
pineapple-like with a corresponding flavor at 1 0 - 5 0 ppm. May
be prepared by direct esterification of the valeric acid with methanol
in the presence of concentrated H2S04; note: this ester hydrolyzes
readily.
Occurrence
Reported found in small amounts in the essential oil from the fruits of Ananas sativus Schult. Also reported
present in apple, coffee, honey, kiwi, melon, papaya, pineapple, strawberry, tea, wine, blackberry, baked potato, olive, starfruit, passion fruit, soursop, Bourbon vanilla, mountain papaya and naranjilla fruit.
Uses
Methyl valerate can be used:
- In the preparation of lankacidin C 8-valerate.
- As a reactant to synthesize bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) 2-oxoalkylphosphonates.
- As a substrate in the fluorination reactions of unactivated C(sp3)H bonds using decatungstate photocatalyst and N-fluorobenzenesulfonimide.
Application
Methyl valerate is primarily used in flavor compositions, although it occasionally finds application in certain phases of perfumery (masking, household products of certain type, etc.).
Its Apple-like character is useful in fruit
complexes where diffusive power is desirable
(chewing gum, etc.) and it performs very well
in Pineapple or fantasy flavors.
Preparation
By direct esterification of valeric acid with methanol in the presence of concentrated H2SO4. Note: This ester hydrolyzes
readily
Aroma threshold values
Detection: 20 to 89 ppb
Taste threshold values
Taste characteristics at 20 ppm: sweet, ripe, fruity with sweaty, dairy and cheesy nuance
Synthesis Reference(s)
Journal of the American Chemical Society, 97, p. 1180, 1975
DOI: 10.1021/ja00838a036
General Description
Clear colorless to yellowish oily liquid.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Insoluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
METHYL VALERATE is an ester. Esters react with acids to liberate heat along with alcohols and acids. Strong oxidizing acids may cause a vigorous reaction that is sufficiently exothermic to ignite the reaction products. Heat is also generated by the interaction of esters with caustic solutions. Flammable hydrogen is generated by mixing esters with alkali metals and hydrides. METHYL VALERATE reacts with oxidizing agents, bases and acids.
Fire Hazard
METHYL VALERATE is flammable.
Flammability and Explosibility
Flammable
