Isobutyl 3-(2-furan)propionate (CAS 0105-01-01) — Sweet Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Isobutyl 3-(2-furan)propionate
CAS 0105-01-01
What Is Isobutyl 3-(2-furan)propionate?
Isobutyl 3-(2-furan)propionate is a synthetic fragrance compound used to add fruity, berry-like nuances to perfumes and flavored products. You’ll encounter it in berry-scented body care items and some gourmand fragrances. This ingredient matters because it provides a cost-effective alternative to natural berry extracts, offering stability and consistent performance in formulations where natural extracts might fade quickly.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Isobutyl 3-(2-furan)propionate Smell Like?
Isobutyl 3-(2-furan)propionate delivers an intense, jammy berry explosion reminiscent of blackberry preserves and raspberry coulis. The top note bursts with overripe fruit character, slightly fermented and wine-like, before settling into a heart of caramelized sugar and faintly herbal undertones. The dry-down reveals a whisper of woody warmth, like fruit macerating in oak barrels. This molecule maintains remarkable tenacity for a fruity note, persisting well beyond typical ester fragrances while avoiding the cloying sweetness of simpler berry analogs.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to amplify the coffee-berry accord, providing a luscious fruitiness that contrasts with the dark roasted notes without becoming juvenile.
Contributes to the candied berry facet that balances the vanilla-patchouli base, creating an edible yet sophisticated sweetness.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Isobutyl 3-(2-furan)propionate belongs to the ester class, specifically a furan-bearing propionate ester. The furan ring contributes to its distinctive berry character through pyrazine-like heterocyclic interactions with olfactory receptors. Industrially synthesized via esterification of 3-(2-furan)propionic acid with isobutanol under acid catalysis, this compound demonstrates good stability against hydrolysis compared to simpler fruit esters. The isobutyl group provides optimal volatility for fragrance applications while the furan moiety offers unusual tenacity for a molecule of this molecular weight.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Odor Threshold | 0.02 ppm in air |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Berry accent in oriental and gourmand compositions |
| Body Care | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Provides fruity top notes in shower gels and lotions |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with ionones to create a more natural berry impression without excessive sweetness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Lighter, more volatile version with brighter fruit character suitable for citrus-fruity blends where quick evaporation is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
Under evaluation by RIFM as of 2023, preliminary data suggests low sensitization potential.
Sustainability
As a purely synthetic material, isobutyl 3-(2-furan)propionate avoids agricultural supply chain issues associated with natural berry extracts. The synthesis route employs standard petrochemical feedstocks, though future green chemistry approaches could improve its environmental profile. Being highly potent at low concentrations reduces overall material requirements in formulations.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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