2-Ethylbutyl acetate (CAS 10031-87-5) — Sweet Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Ethylbutyl acetate
CAS 10031-87-5
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 SAFEWhat 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.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
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.
2D Molecular Structure
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 Point | 198 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.865 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 3-8% | Up to 15% | Adds fruity top notes |
| Air Fresheners | 5-10% | Up to 20% | Provides sweet, fresh aroma |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in small amounts to avoid overpowering other notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers a similar banana note but with higher volatility, ideal for very short-lived top notes.
Provides a sweeter, more pear-like aroma, useful for more rounded fruity accords.
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.
Explore 2-Ethylbutyl acetate
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- 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 errorPhysicochemical 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.
