Colorless liquid. Melting point -83℃, boiling point 251-252℃, 137℃ (1.86kPa), relative density 0.9824 (20/4℃), refractive index 1.4162, flash point 88℃. Soluble in ethanol, ether, acetone, benzene, acetic acid and other organic solvents, insoluble in water.
Suggested for use in flavour compositions as a modifier for lower esters of MaIonic acid, mainly in Apple, Wine, Gooseberv, Rum and Plum. The ester is NOT listed specifically in the U.S.A. Federal Register's G. R. A.S.-list but may be used in certain countries in limited concentrations. Other MaIonic esters are permitted, but very few Bu(yl esters are permitted. However, MaIonic acid itself has been questioned for its absolute harmlessness. It was produced from Cyanoacetic acid and n-Butanol in presence of Hydrochloric gas.
