2-Ethylbutyl acetate (CAS 10031-87-5) — Sweet Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

Sweet · Citrus

2-Ethylbutyl acetate

CAS 10031-87-5

Origin
synthetic
Note
Top
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 2-Ethylbutyl acetate?

2-Ethylbutyl acetate is a synthetic ester commonly used in fragrances and flavorings. It imparts a fruity, sweet aroma reminiscent of bananas and pears. This ingredient is found in various consumer products like perfumes, air fresheners, and some food flavorings. Its synthetic nature allows for consistent quality and availability, making it a reliable choice for manufacturers seeking a specific fruity note.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for individual sensitivity
CAS
10031-87-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Citrus
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2-Ethylbutyl acetate Smell Like?

2-Ethylbutyl acetate offers a bright, fruity aroma with dominant banana and pear characteristics. The top note is intensely sweet and slightly green, evolving into a softer, rounded heart with hints of apple and melon. The dry-down is clean and slightly woody, leaving a subtle, pleasant sweetness. Its volatility ensures it shines in the opening but doesn’t overpower the fragrance’s development.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Banana Republic Classic(Banana Republic, 1995)

Used to enhance the fruity top notes, adding a fresh, sweet opening that complements the citrus and floral heart.

Adds a juicy, ripe fruitiness to the nectarine accord, boosting the natural sweetness without being cloying.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Acetic acid, 2-ethylbutyl ester

SMILES: CCC(CC)COC(C)=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2-Ethylbutyl acetate is an ester formed from 2-ethylbutanol and acetic acid. It is synthetically produced via esterification, a common method for creating fruity-smelling compounds. The molecule’s structure allows for good volatility, making it ideal for top notes in fragrances. Its synthetic origin ensures consistency in aroma and avoids the variability seen in natural extracts.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point198 °C
Density0.865 g/cm³

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
High (15-60 min)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance3-8%Up to 15%Adds fruity top notes
Air Fresheners5-10%Up to 20%Provides sweet, fresh aroma

Classic Accords

+ Citrus + Vanilla = Fruity Gourmand + Jasmine + Sandalwood = Floral Woody

Tip: Use in small amounts to avoid overpowering other notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Isoamyl acetate CAS 123-92-2

Offers a similar banana note but with higher volatility, ideal for very short-lived top notes.

2
Hexyl acetate CAS 142-92-7

Provides a sweeter, more pear-like aroma, useful for more rounded fruity accords.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not restricted by IFRA.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment confirms safety for current usage levels in fragrances.

Sustainability

As a synthetic ingredient, 2-Ethylbutyl acetate is produced with minimal environmental impact compared to natural extracts. Its production avoids agricultural land use and seasonal variability, ensuring a stable supply chain. However, reliance on petrochemical feedstocks raises sustainability questions, prompting research into bio-based production methods.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for 2-Ethylbutyl acetate PubChem CID: 10031-87-5

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

Report a data error

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID5064916

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 144.214 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.88 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 162.25 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Melting Point -70.159 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 53.398 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Refractive Index 1.411 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 164.448 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.631 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.631 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.631 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 3.94 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.044 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 3.526 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 0.934 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 25.683 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 131.625 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 26.3 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 4 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 40.845 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 16.192 Å^3📊 OPERA

Data Sources:

🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.

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