This section provides an overview of 2-methylbutyl acetate, covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in flavour, fragrance, food, beverage, and cosmetic industries. Also, please check out the introduction to 2-methylbutyl acetate manufacturers, supply chain issues, 2-methylbutyl acetate suppliers, and 2-methylbutyl acetate prices. Sinofi can help you buy 2-methylbutyl acetate at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 3644 and CAS 624-41-9.
Table of Contents
What is 2-Methylbutyl Acetate?
2-Methylbutyl acetate represents one of the most recognizable and widely utilized ester compounds in the flavour and fragrance industry. This branched-chain aliphatic ester has earned its prominence through its distinctive fruity character and remarkable versatility in flavour formulation applications. It centers on its exceptional organoleptic characteristics, particularly its authentic fruity aroma profile that closely approximates natural banana and pear notes. 2-Methylbutyl acetate consists of acetic acid esterified with 2-methylbutanol. It exhibits low water solubility but readily dissolves in alcohol and most organic solvents, making it compatible with both oil-based and alcoholic flavour systems. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 2-methylbutyl acetate is approved to be used in the flavour, fragrance, food, and beverage industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
2-Methylbutyl acetate has been evaluated by relevant regulatory authorities like JECFA, EFSA, RIFM, ECHACHEM, NIST, and WHO. It is generally recognized as safe for use in food applications within the United States and holds approved status under European Union flavouring regulations. The primary application of 2-methylbutyl acetate centers on fruit flavour systems, particularly those targeting banana, pear, apple, and mixed tropical fruit profiles. This favorable regulatory standing allows formulation engineers considerable flexibility in incorporating the ingredient into commercial flavour systems. The fragrance standard of 2-methylbutyl acetate has been set by organizations such as IFRA.
Sensory Profile
The most distinctive characteristic of 2-methylbutyl acetate is its intensely fruity aroma, predominantly reminiscent of banana with subtle pear-like undertones. This banana character is so pronounced that the compound is often referred to as “banana oil” in informal industry parlance. At appropriate concentrations, typically in the range of 5 to 50 parts per million depending on the application, the compound imparts a fresh, sweet, and appetizing fruity note that enhances overall flavour complexity. However, formulation engineers must exercise caution with dosage levels, as excessive concentrations can result in an artificial or solvent-like character that detracts from product quality.
Natural Occurrence
2-Methylbutyl acetate occurs naturally in numerous fruits, including bananas, apples, pears, and various stone fruits, where it contributes to the characteristic aroma profiles of these products. Its natural presence in common food items has facilitated regulatory approval across major markets.
CAS No.: 624-41-9
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of 2-methylbutyl acetate is 624-41-9.
CAS Name: 2-Methyl Butyl Acetate
Molecular Formula: C7H14O2
Molecular Mass: 130.19
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow liquid.
JECFA Number: 138
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Boiling Point: 140.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Soluble in ethanol; Slightly soluble in water, 1070 mg/L @ 25 °C (est).
Other Names:
♦ 2-Methyl-1-butyl acetate
♦ 1-Butanol, 2-methyl-, 1-acetate
♦ 1-Butanol, 2-methyl-, acetate
♦ 2-Methylbutyl acetate
♦ 2-Methylbutanol acetate
2-Methylbutyl Acetate Odor
Odor Description: At 100.00 %. over-ripe fruit, sweet banana, pear, pineapple.
FEMA Number 3644
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of 2-methylbutyl acetate is 3644.
Bulk 2-Methylbutyl Acetate Manufacturers
The bulk manufacturing for 2-methylbutyl acetate concentrates in regions with established petrochemical infrastructure, access to raw materials, favorable regulatory environments, and proximity to end-user markets. Top 2-methylbutyl acetate manufacturers like Lluch Essence and Ventós leverage economies of scale, established distribution networks, and comprehensive technical resources to serve major international customers. China has emerged as the dominant production hub for this compound, accounting for an estimated fifty to sixty percent of global manufacturing capacity. Chinese producers benefit from integrated chemical supply chains, competitive labor costs, and substantial domestic demand from the country’s large food and beverage manufacturing base. European manufacturers maintain significant production capabilities, particularly in Germany, France, and the Netherlands, where chemical industry expertise and stringent quality control systems support premium market positioning. These producers typically serve European flavour houses and export to markets where customers prioritize regulatory compliance documentation, comprehensive technical support, and supply chain reliability over pure price considerations.
Sinofi is a bulk 2-methylbutyl acetate manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of 2-methyl butyl acetate. We supply high-quality 2-methylbutyl acetate at bulk prices and serve flavour houses, fragrance compounders, and industrial users around the world.
Manufacturing Process of 2-Methylbutyl Acetate
The synthesis of 2-methylbutyl acetate represents a well-established application of esterification chemistry within the specialty chemicals industry.
2-Methylbutyl acetate results from the condensation reaction between 2-methylbutanol (also known as 2-methyl-1-butanol or active amyl alcohol) and acetic acid, releasing water as a byproduct. This Fischer esterification reaction proceeds via a reversible equilibrium mechanism, requiring careful control of reaction conditions and water removal to achieve commercially acceptable yields.
The primary manufacturing route involves acid-catalyzed esterification, though alternative approaches, including transesterification and enzymatic synthesis, exist for specialized applications. The acid-catalyzed direct esterification method dominates industrial production due to its economic efficiency, relatively simple process requirements, and ability to achieve high conversion rates when properly optimized.
Bulk 2-Methylbutyl Acetate Suppliers
The global supply for bulk 2-methylbutyl acetate operates through a multi-tiered distribution system connecting manufacturers with end users across the flavour, fragrance, cosmetics, and industrial sectors. Top 2-methylbutyl acetate manufacturers like Lluch Essence and Ventós represent the most straightforward supply relationship, particularly for large-volume buyers with consistent demand patterns and technical capabilities to manage specifications independently. Asia-Pacific 2-methylbutyl acetate suppliers, particularly those based in China, dominate the landscape in terms of material availability and competitive pricing. Authorized distributors form strategic partnerships with specific manufacturers to represent their products within defined geographic territories or customer segments. They add value through maintaining local inventory positions that enable smaller order quantities and faster delivery compared to direct factory shipments from overseas production facilities.
Sinofi is a bulk 2-methylbutyl acetate supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality methyl butyl acetate. We sell different grades of 2-methylbutyl acetate at wholesale prices, serving the flavour and fragrance, food, and cosmetic industries.
Supply Chain of 2-Methylbutyl Acetate
The 2-methylbutyl acetate supply chain encompasses a complex network of agricultural and petrochemical feedstock suppliers, specialized chemical manufacturers, distribution networks, and diverse end-use industries.
Raw Material Sourcing and Upstream Supply
The supply chain for 2-methylbutyl acetate begins with the procurement of two primary raw materials: 3-methylbutanol and acetic acid. These feedstocks form the foundation of the entire production process, and their availability significantly influences market dynamics.
Manufacturing and Production Structure
The production of 2-methylbutyl acetate occurs through an esterification reaction between 3-methylbutanol and acetic acid, typically catalyzed by sulfuric acid or other acid catalysts. This process takes place at specialized chemical manufacturing facilities equipped with reactors, distillation columns, and purification systems designed to achieve the required product specifications for various end-use applications.
Distribution and Logistics Networks
The distribution layer of the 2-methylbutyl acetate supply chain encompasses major manufacturers, chemical distributors, and specialty chemical trading companies. This segment adds considerable value through services including inventory management, repackaging, technical support, and regulatory expertise.
End-Use Applications and Demand Drivers
The downstream segment of the supply chain consists of diverse industries utilizing 2-methylbutyl acetate for distinct applications like food, cosmetics, flavour, and fragrance, each with specific quality requirements and purchasing patterns.
Wholesale and Buy 2-Methylbutyl Acetate in Bulk
Strategic bulk purchasing of 2-methylbutyl acetate offers substantial value creation opportunities for organizations consuming significant volumes of this versatile chemical compound. Success requires 2-methylbutyl acetate buyers to move beyond simple price negotiation, instead taking a comprehensive approach that addresses quality assurance, supplier capability assessment, logistics optimization, regulatory compliance, and risk management.
Understanding Product Specifications and Quality Requirements
The foundation of successful bulk procurement begins with a comprehensive understanding of the technical specifications your organization requires. 2-methylbutyl acetate is available in multiple grades, each suited to specific applications with varying purity levels, impurity profiles, and regulatory certifications.
Evaluating Potential Suppliers and Establishing Qualification Criteria
Supplier selection for bulk chemical procurement extends well beyond simple price comparison. Purchasing managers must conduct thorough assessments of potential suppliers across multiple dimensions to ensure long-term supply reliability and risk mitigation.
Negotiating Pricing Structures and Commercial Terms
Volume-based pricing tiers represent the most straightforward approach to capturing bulk purchase advantages. Suppliers typically establish pricing breaks at specific volume thresholds, with per-unit costs decreasing as commitment levels increase. When negotiating these structures, purchasing managers should carefully model their anticipated consumption patterns across different scenarios to determine optimal commitment levels that balance cost savings against inventory carrying costs and demand uncertainty.
As a bulk 2-methylbutyl acetate manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this aromatic ingredient to flavour houses, fragrance compounders, and industrial users. We also supply it to small customers. Normally, they want to buy 2-methylbutyl acetate in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell 2-methylbutyl acetate at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
2-Methylbutyl Acetate Prices (USD/Kg)
Food Grade 2-Methylbutyl Acetate Prices (GC Content >=99.0%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 8 USD | Express |
| 500g | 42 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 60 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | >35% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
2-methylbutyl acetate pricing varies substantially based on product grade, order volume, geographic market, and contractual arrangements. Technical-grade material suitable for industrial solvent applications typically commands low prices. Food and fragrance-grade material commands a premium over technical-grade product, with pricing typically ranging from $40 to $120 per Kg, depending on purity specifications and certification requirements. The price differential reflects additional quality control measures, more stringent raw material selection, enhanced documentation requirements, and often smaller production batch sizes that increase per-unit manufacturing costs. Suppliers serving the flavour and fragrance industry must maintain extensive quality assurance systems and provide comprehensive analytical documentation, investments that manifest in higher pricing structures.
Small quantity purchases in packaged forms, such as drums or smaller containers, typically carry significant price premiums over bulk purchases. Organizations purchasing in quantities below 100Kg may encounter prices 30 to 60 percent higher than bulk pricing, reflecting packaging costs, handling expenses, and the economic realities of small-scale distribution. This pricing structure creates strong incentives for volume consolidation among purchasing organizations.
Furthermore, the above 2-methylbutyl acetate price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the value of 2-methyl butyl acetate sample. However, the bulk wholesale prices of 2-methylbutyl acetate will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
2-Methylbutyl Acetate Specification
| Appearance: | Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid. |
| Odor: | Sweet banana, pear, pineapple. |
| Purity (GC) | >=99% |
| Refractive Index | 1.399-1.404 |
| Specific Gravity (20°C/20°C) | 0.872-0.877 |
| Heavy Metal (as Pb, mg/Kg) | <=10 |
| As (mg/Kg) | <=3 |
2-Methylbutyl Acetate Uses
The diverse applications of 2-methyl butyl acetate across flavour and fragrance, industrial solvents, pharmaceutical processing, analytical chemistry, and specialty uses demonstrate the compound’s versatility and sustained market relevance.
Flavour and Fragrance Applications
The flavour and fragrance industry represents the largest and most economically significant application category for 2-methyl butyl acetate, accounting for approximately 60 to 70 percent of global consumption. The compound’s pronounced fruity character, particularly its resemblance to banana and pear aromas, makes it an essential component in artificial and natural flavour systems designed to replicate or enhance fruit profiles in consumer products.
In food and beverage flavouring, 2-methyl butyl acetate serves as a primary constituent in banana flavour formulations, where it provides the characteristic top note that consumers immediately recognize as banana-like. Flavouring houses incorporate this compound into complex flavour systems used in products including candies, chewing gums, ice creams, yogurts, baked goods, and beverage concentrates. The compound’s volatility profile allows it to deliver immediate impact when products are consumed while blending harmoniously with other flavour components to create rounded, authentic-tasting profiles. Beverage applications extend across carbonated soft drinks, fruit juices, flavoured waters, and alcoholic beverages, where 2-methyl butyl acetate contributes tropical fruit notes and enhances overall flavour complexity.
Beyond banana applications, the compound finds use in pear flavour systems, where it provides essential aromatic notes that distinguish pear from other fruit profiles. Formulators blend 2-methyl butyl acetate with other esters, aldehydes, and aroma chemicals to create balanced pear flavours suitable for applications ranging from hard candies to premium desserts. The material’s ability to suggest ripe, fresh fruit character makes it valuable in formulations seeking to convey quality and natural fruit essence, even when other ingredients are artificial.
The fragrance industry utilizes 2-methyl butyl acetate primarily in fruity fragrance compositions for personal care products, household items, and fine fragrances. In personal care applications, the compound appears in shampoos, conditioners, body washes, lotions, and cosmetics where fruity notes align with product positioning and consumer preferences. The compound’s substantivity allows fragrance notes to persist through product use and rinsing, delivering the performance characteristics that consumers expect from scented personal care items. Household product applications include air fresheners, fabric softeners, laundry detergents, and cleaning products, where fresh fruity notes convey cleanliness and create pleasant user experiences. The compound’s compatibility with other fragrance ingredients and its stability in various product matrices support its widespread adoption in formulated products.
Technical considerations influence the application of 2-methyl butyl acetate in flavour and fragrance systems. The compound’s solubility in both polar and non-polar solvents facilitates incorporation into diverse product formats, including aqueous systems, oil-based formulations, and alcohol solutions. Its stability under typical storage conditions and resistance to oxidation under normal handling conditions support extended product shelf life. However, formulators must account for the compound’s volatility when developing products requiring long-lasting fragrance delivery or when flavour impact must persist through processing conditions such as baking or thermal treatment.
Industrial Solvent Applications
The industrial solvent market represents the second major application category for 2-methyl butyl acetate, consuming approximately 20 to 25 percent of global production. The compound’s balanced evaporation rate, excellent solvency for various resins and polymers, and acceptable environmental profile position it as a preferred solvent in several coating and printing applications where performance requirements demand more than commodity solvents can deliver.
Pharmaceutical and Chemical Processing Uses
The pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries utilize 2-methyl butyl acetate as an extraction solvent and processing aid in various applications where its solvency characteristics, relatively favorable toxicological profile, and ease of removal support efficient manufacturing processes. While representing a smaller volume application category than flavour or industrial solvent uses, pharmaceutical applications typically command premium pricing due to stringent quality requirements and extensive documentation needs.
2-Methylbutyl Acetate in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Favor compounds, including 2-methylbutyl acetate, have been incorporated into certain vaping products to provide fruity flavour characteristics, particularly banana and tropical fruit profiles that appeal to specific consumer preferences. However, the application of these flavouring agents in inhaled products presents fundamentally different safety considerations than traditional oral consumption or topical applications.
Technical Role in E-Liquid Formulations
2-Methyl butyl acetate functions within e-liquid formulations primarily to deliver banana and tropical fruit flavour notes that manufacturers incorporate into fruit-flavoured product variants. Its characteristic aroma profile translates to flavour perception when the aerosolized e-liquid is inhaled, with the volatile compound interacting with olfactory receptors to create sensory experiences. Formulation chemists working in the vaping industry select 2-methyl butyl acetate for applications requiring authentic banana character, often blending it with other esters, aldehydes, and aroma chemicals to create complex fruit flavour profiles intended to replicate popular fruit combinations or create novel flavour experiences.
The compound’s volatility characteristics influence its behavior during the vaporization process that occurs when e-liquid contacts the heated coil element in vaping devices. The relatively low boiling point of approximately 142 degrees Celsius means that 2-methyl butyl acetate readily vaporizes at the temperatures typically encountered in vaping devices, generally ranging from 200 to 300 degrees Celsius, depending on device design and user settings. This volatilization enables the compound to transfer from the liquid phase into the aerosol that users inhale, delivering the intended flavour impact during product use.
Solubility in the propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin base systems that dominate e-liquid formulations represents another technical consideration. The compound’s chemical structure as an ester with moderate polarity enables dissolution in these carrier systems without phase separation or precipitation issues that would compromise product stability or user experience. Formulators must ensure that all flavouring components remain fully solubilized throughout the product’s intended shelf life across expected storage temperature ranges to prevent quality defects or device performance issues.
Regulatory Framework and Compliance Requirements
The regulatory environment governing e-liquids and vaping products varies substantially across jurisdictions, creating complex compliance challenges for manufacturers utilizing 2-methyl butyl acetate or other flavouring compounds in their formulations. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration exercises regulatory authority over electronic nicotine delivery systems and their components, including e-liquids, through the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. The premarket tobacco product application process requires manufacturers to demonstrate that their products are appropriate for the protection of public health, considering both risks to users and population-level impacts, including youth initiation. Manufacturers incorporating 2-methyl butyl acetate in e-liquid formulations must navigate this regulatory pathway, providing extensive data regarding product composition, manufacturing processes, health impacts, and marketing approaches to secure authorization for commercial distribution. The European Union implements regulatory controls through the Tobacco Products Directive, which establishes maximum nicotine concentrations, volume limitations, ingredient notification requirements, and various product standards applicable to e-cigarettes and refill containers.
2-Methylbutyl Acetate Benefits
The comprehensive benefits that 2-methyl butyl acetate delivers across technical performance, economic value, safety characteristics, regulatory compliance, environmental attributes, and application-specific advantages position this specialty chemical as a valuable material for organizations across multiple industries.
Superior Organoleptic Properties for Flavour and Fragrance Applications
This characteristic enables flavour and fragrance formulators to create consumer products with appealing sensory attributes that drive purchase decisions and enhance user satisfaction. Unlike synthetic alternatives that may deliver artificial or chemical off-notes, 2-methyl butyl acetate provides a clean, recognizable fruit character that consumers perceive as pleasant and authentic.
Balanced Solvent Performance Characteristics
The technical performance benefits of 2-methyl butyl acetate as an industrial solvent derive from the balanced property profile that positions it advantageously between fast-evaporating, low-solvency materials and slow-evaporating, aggressive solvents.
Economic Value Proposition
The economic benefits of 2-methyl butyl acetate manifest through multiple mechanisms, including direct material cost advantages, formulation efficiency gains, processing cost reductions, and reduced total cost of ownership across product lifecycles. While not positioning as the absolute lowest-cost solvent or flavouring material, the compound delivers compelling value when performance, quality, and indirect costs receive appropriate consideration.
A Watermelon-flavoured E-liquid
Include the following ingredients (Total 100g):
Contains solvent 88.62g, compound sweetener 7.5g, and fruit flavouring agent 3.88g.
- The solvent includes propylene glycol 48.62g and glycerin 40g.
- The compound sweetener includes: neotame 1g, advantame 0.5g, glucostevioside 2g, steviol glycoside 2g, and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone 2g.
- The fruit flavouring agent includes: 3-methylbutyrate 1g, ethyl butyrate 0.61g, 2-methylbutyrate 0.49g, D-limonene 0.27g, 2-methylbutyl acetate 0.25g, γ-undecone 0.25g, methyl 2-octynolate 0.2g, linalool 0.11g, myricetin 0.1g, β-myrcene 0.09g, ethyl acetoacetate 0.06g, methyl 3-methoxy-3-phenylpropionate 0.05g, pinene 0.05g, myricetin 0.05g, butyl butyrate 0.05g, carvacrol 0.04g, L-carvone 0.04g, nonanoic acid 0.04g, carvacrol 0.04g, ethyl propionate 0.03g, 3-carene 0.03g, and (2S)-2,6-dimethyl-6-heptenal 0.03g.
The e-liquid was filled into an e-vaporization device for inhalation.
After inhalation, a very realistic and rich watermelon flavour was observed.
In conclusion, 2-methylbutyl acetate serves as a versatile chemical compound with applications spanning multiple industries and diverse technical requirements. As a bulk 2-methylbutyl acetate manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of 2-methylbutyl acetate at wholesale prices to clients around the world.