Methyl butyrate, also known as methyl butanoate , is an ester with a fruity odor pineapple, apple, and strawberry. At room temperature, it is a colorless liquid with low solubility in water, upon which it floats to form an oily layer. Although it is flammable, it has a relatively low vapor pressure ( 40 mmHg at 30°C), so it can be safely handled at room temperature without special safety precautions.