Chemical Properties
Isobutyl propionate is a clear colorless to pale yellow liquid that has an odor similar to the corresponding ethyl ester but more refined and fresher. It has a bitter flavor. It is highly soluble in ethanol and ether but insoluble in water. It can be found naturally occurring in grapes, apples, pears, rum, and other similar products. Isobutyl propionate is mainly used in the production of fruit flavors. This compound can prepared by direct esterification or by reacting propionyl chloride with isobutyl alcohol in the presence of Mg dust in ether solution.
Occurrence
Reported found in grapes, hop oil, apple, pear, rum, apricot, melon, Gruyere and Parmesan cheese, cider,
mushroom, quince, Bourbon vanilla and spineless monkey orange
Uses
manufacture of fruit essences.
Preparation
By direct esterification or by reacting propionyl chloride with isobutyl alcohol in the presence of Mg dust in ether solution.
Definition
ChEBI: 2-Methylpropyl propanoate is a carboxylic ester.
Aroma threshold values
Aroma characteristics at 1.0%: fruity, sweet, rummy, pungent, bubble gum estry with a tropical nuance
Taste threshold values
Taste characteristics at 10 ppm: sweet, fruity, banana, tutti-frutti, with rummy nuances
General Description
A colorless liquid. Flash point of 86°F. Less dense than water. Vapors heavier than air. May be mildly toxic by ingestion, inhalation and skin absorption. Used to make plastics.
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.
Reactivity Profile
Isobutyl propionate 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.
Health Hazard
May cause toxic effects if inhaled or absorbed through skin. Inhalation or contact with material may irritate or burn skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.
Fire Hazard
HIGHLY FLAMMABLE: Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.
Safety Profile
Mldly toxic by
ingestion. Flammable when exposed to heat
or flame, can react vigorously with oxidizing
materials. When heated to decomposition it
emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. See
also ESTERS, PROPIONIC ACID, and
ISOBUTYL ALCOHOL.
