This section provides an overview of natural isoamyl alcohol, covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in flavours and fragrances, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and industrial chemical industries. Also, please check out the introduction to isoamyl alcohol manufacturers, supply chain issues, isoamyl alcohol suppliers, and isoamyl alcohol prices. Sinofi can help you buy isoamyl alcohol at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 2057 and CAS 123-51-3.
Table of Contents
What is Isoamyl Alcohol?
Isoamyl alcohol, also known as isopentyl alcohol, is a branched-chain primary alcohol. It is one of the most widely encountered higher alcohols (fusel alcohols) in the flavour and fragrance industry. Its characteristic odour — often described as harsh, fermented, and reminiscent of banana or pear at dilution — makes it a foundational building block in flavour formulation work. Isoamyl alcohol consists of a five-carbon chain with a methyl branch at the third carbon and a hydroxyl group at the terminal position, giving it a lipophilic character that influences its partitioning behaviour in emulsion and oil-soluble flavour systems. This is an important consideration when formulating for fat-containing food matrices such as dairy, confectionery, and baked goods. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), isoamyl alcohol is approved to be used in the flavour and fragrance industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Isoamyl alcohol has been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, European Commission, RIFM, ECHACHEM, NIST, and WHO. It holds broad regulatory clearance for use in food flavourings. It is listed as FEMA GRAS number 2057 by the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association, affirming its Generally Recognised as Safe status for use in food in the United States. It also appears on the EU Union List of flavouring substances (FL number 02.003) approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. Formulators should remain aware that maximum use levels and labelling requirements vary by jurisdiction and by end-product category, and should consult current local regulations and customer specifications accordingly. The fragrance standard of isoamyl alcohol has been set by organizations such as IFRA.
Odor Threshold and Sensory Profile
At full concentration, isoamyl alcohol presents a sharp, pungent, fusel-like odour that can be unpleasant. However, its sensory character transforms significantly upon dilution, a property that flavour formulators exploit routinely. At low concentrations (typically in the range of 10–100 ppm in finished application), it imparts warm, slightly fruity, malty, and whiskey-like nuances. In flavour work, isoamyl alcohol is rarely used as a standalone character-impact compound. Instead, it functions as a modifier and body-builder, lending depth and naturalness to fruit, fermented, alcoholic, and malt flavour profiles. It is particularly effective in rounding out banana, pear, apple, and grape-type flavourings when used in conjunction with its ester derivatives, most notably isoamyl acetate.
Natural Occurrence
Isoamyl alcohol is a natural metabolic by-product of amino acid catabolism during fermentation. It is produced by yeast (principally Saccharomyces cerevisiae) through the Ehrlich pathway, wherein the amino acid leucine is transaminated, decarboxylated, and reduced to yield isoamyl alcohol. This pathway accounts for its significant presence in beer, wine, spirits, bread, cheese, and other fermented products. For flavour applications where a “natural” designation is required under EU Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 or US 21 CFR 101.22, isoamyl alcohol can be sourced through fermentation or enzymatic processes using food-grade substrates. Synthetic-grade material, produced via catalytic hydrogenation of isovaleraldehyde or through oxo synthesis from C₄ olefins, is also commercially available and widely used in flavourings designated as “artificial” or where regulatory frameworks do not require natural sourcing.
CAS No.: 123-51-3
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of isoamyl alcohol is 123-51-3.
CAS Name: Isoamyl alcohol
Molecular Formula: C5H12O
Molecular Mass: 88.15
Appearance: Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid.
JECFA Number: 52
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Boiling Point: 131.00 to 133.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol. Slightly soluble in water.
Other Names:
♦ Isopentyl alcohol
♦ 3-Methyl-1-butanol
♦ Isoamylol
♦ Isopentanol
♦ iso-Amyl alcohol
♦ iso-Pentanol
♦ 3-Methylbutyl alcohol
♦ 3-Methylbutane-1-ol
Isoamyl Alcohol Odor
Odor Strength: Medium, recommend smelling in a 10.00 % solution or less.
Substantivity: 8 hours at 100.00 %.
Odor Description: At 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol, fusel alcoholic whiskey, fruity banana.
FEMA Number 2057
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of isoamyl alcohol is 2057.
Bulk Isoamyl Alcohol Manufacturers
The bulk isoamyl alcohol production capacity is poised for continued moderate growth through the remainder of the decade. Top synthetic isoamyl alcohol manufacturers like BASF, DOW, and Merck operate major production facilities around the world. Some natural isoamyl alcohol manufacturers like Symrise and Ernesto Ventos focus on flavour-grade and pharmaceutical-grade products, serving flavouring, fragrances, and pharma manufacturers worldwide.
Sinofi is a bulk isoamyl alcohol manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of isoamyl alcohol. We supply high-quality isoamyl alcohol at bulk prices and serve flavours and fragrances, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and industrial chemical industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Isoamyl Alcohol
Isoamyl alcohol continues to be a commercially important chemical with a diverse portfolio of manufacturing technologies.
Oxo Synthesis (Hydroformylation) Route
The oxo process, or hydroformylation, represents one of the most important large-scale industrial routes to isoamyl alcohol. In this two-step process, isobutylene first undergoes hydroformylation to produce isovaleraldehyde, which is then hydrogenated to the target alcohol.
Biotechnological and Emerging Routes
Growing interest in sustainable chemistry has stimulated research into biotechnological production of isoamyl alcohol. Several approaches are under active investigation and early-stage commercialization.
Metabolic Engineering of Microbial Hosts
Researchers have engineered strains of Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae to overproduce isoamyl alcohol by upregulating the leucine biosynthetic pathway and introducing or enhancing the Ehrlich pathway enzymes.
Cell-Free Biocatalysis
Cell-free enzymatic cascades offer an alternative approach by eliminating the metabolic burden and toxicity constraints of whole-cell systems. In these systems, purified or partially purified enzymes catalyse the sequential conversion of glucose or other simple substrates to isoamyl alcohol through designed metabolic pathways.
Bulk Isoamyl Alcohol Suppliers
Top isoamyl alcohol suppliers like BASF, DOW, Merck, Symrise, and Ernesto Ventos have traditionally served the European and North American markets. European product commands a price premium owing to rigorous quality control, adherence to REACH regulations, and established supply chain reliability. China is the dominant global supplier of bulk isoamyl alcohol. The country benefits from large-scale fusel oil refining infrastructure—fusel oil, a by-product of ethanol production, is the primary feedstock for isoamyl alcohol extraction. Export capabilities are well-established, with shipments commonly routed through major ports.
Sinofi is a bulk isoamyl alcohol supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality isoamyl alcohol. We sell different grades of isoamyl alcohol at wholesale prices, serving end-users in flavours and fragrances, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and industrial chemical industries.
Supply Chain of Isoamyl Alcohol
The isoamyl alcohol supply chain follows a multi-tiered structure comprising upstream raw material sourcing, midstream manufacturing and processing, and downstream distribution and end-use consumption. The following sections detail each tier of this value chain.
Supply Chain Structure
Upstream: Raw Material Sourcing
The upstream segment of the supply chain is defined by two primary production pathways, each with distinct raw material requirements and cost structures.
Petrochemical Route
The synthetic route relies on propylene and syngas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) as feedstocks. Through the oxo process (hydroformylation), propylene is converted to butyraldehyde, which undergoes further aldol condensation and hydrogenation to yield isoamyl alcohol.
Fermentation Route (Bio-based)
The bio-based route derives isoamyl alcohol from fusel oil, a by-product of ethanol fermentation from crops such as sugarcane, corn, and grain. The separation of isoamyl alcohol from fusel oil requires distillation and purification. It provides a renewable alternative to petrochemical synthesis and benefits from the growing demand for sustainable chemical sourcing.
Midstream: Manufacturing and Processing
The midstream segment encompasses the actual synthesis, purification, and quality control of isoamyl alcohol. Manufacturing facilities range from large-scale integrated petrochemical complexes to specialized biorefineries. Key process steps include reaction, distillation, purification (removal of isomeric impurities), and quality testing to meet industry-grade and pharma-grade specifications.
Downstream: Distribution and End-Use
The downstream segment involves the distribution of isoamyl alcohol to end-use industries through a network of chemical distributors, trading companies, and direct sales channels. Major end-use sectors include flavours and fragrances (the largest single segment by volume), pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, industrial solvents, and emerging applications in biofuels.
Wholesale and Buy Isoamyl Alcohol in Bulk
Procuring isoamyl alcohol in wholesale or bulk quantities is a well-established practice that, when managed with discipline and strategic intent, delivers meaningful cost, supply chain, and operational advantages. Isoamyl alcohol should balance price optimization with quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and supply security.
Understanding Product Specifications
Before initiating any wholesale negotiation, a purchasing manager must have a thorough understanding of the product specifications required by the end users within the organization. Isoamyl alcohol is available in several purity grades, and selecting the correct one is essential.
Technical or industrial grade (typically 95–98% purity) is suitable for use as a solvent, an extraction agent, or an intermediate in chemical synthesis. Reagent or laboratory grade (≥99% purity) is required for analytical and research applications where trace impurities could compromise results. Food grade or flavour grade meets regulatory standards such as those set by the FDA or the European Food Safety Authority and is used in flavouring compounds — most notably as a component in banana and pear flavour profiles. Pharmaceutical-grade material must comply with pharmacopeial monographs and is subject to stricter documentation and traceability requirements.
Supplier Evaluation and Selection
Rigorous supplier qualification of isoamyl alcohol is at the core of effective bulk purchasing. Key evaluation criteria should include manufacturing capability and capacity, quality management certifications, regulatory compliance with REACH, TSCA, or other relevant chemical regulations, consistency of supply and lead times, and the supplier’s financial stability.
As a bulk isoamyl alcohol manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in flavours and fragrances, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and industrial chemical industries. We also supply isoamyl alcohol to small customers. Normally, they want to buy isoamyl alcohol in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell isoamyl alcohol at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Isoamyl Alcohol Prices (USD/Kg)
Natural Grade Isoamyl Alcohol Prices (GC Content >=99%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 6 USD | Express |
| 500g | 31 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 44 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | 30% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
Isoamyl alcohol pricing in North America and Europe carries a significant premium—estimated at $15–$60/kg for natural grade. Isoamyl alcohol’s demand profile is dominated by a single downstream derivative: isoamyl acetate, the ester known as banana oil, which consumes over 65% of global isoamyl alcohol production. Flavours and fragrances account for approximately 48–64% of isoamyl alcohol demand by volume, with isoamyl acetate used extensively in confectionery, baked goods, beverages, dairy products, and chewing gum.
Furthermore, the above isoamyl alcohol price quotations do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the sample value of isoamyl alcohol. However, the bulk wholesale prices of isoamyl alcohol will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Isoamyl Alcohol Specification
| Appearance | Colorless to light yellow, clear liquid. |
| Odor: | Fusel alcoholic whiskey, fruity banana. |
| Purity (GC) | >=99% |
| Density (20°C) | 0.810 – 0.816 |
| Refractive index @ 20°C | 1.400 – 1.415 |
| Boiling Point (°C) | 128 – 132 |
Isoamyl Alcohol Uses
Isoamyl alcohol is a remarkably versatile organic compound with established applications spanning flavours and fragrances, pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and industrial chemical industries.
Application in Flavour Industry
Isoamyl alcohol is valued both as a naturally occurring flavour compound and as a permitted food additive. It is one of the primary fusel alcohols produced during the fermentation of beer, wine, and spirits, where it contributes to the characteristic flavour profiles of these beverages.
Alcoholic Beverage Flavours
Perhaps the most natural application of isoamyl alcohol is in the formulation of alcoholic beverage flavours. It is an essential component in whisky, brandy, rum, and beer flavour compositions, where it helps to recreate the characteristic fusel note associated with genuine fermented and distilled spirits. In whisky flavours, it is typically used at levels of 0.5–3.0% of the flavour concentrate, working in concert with other fusel alcohols such as isobutanol and active amyl alcohol to build the complexity expected by consumers.
Fruit Flavours
While its ester derivative, isoamyl acetate, is far more widely recognised for its banana character, isoamyl alcohol itself plays a supporting role in fruit flavour systems. In banana flavours, small amounts of the free alcohol provide a green, slightly fermented undertone that adds realism and complexity compared to ester-only compositions. It also appears in formulations for grape, apple, pear, and various tropical fruit profiles where a subtle fermented nuance can increase perceived naturalness.
Fermented and Dairy Flavours
Isoamyl alcohol finds application in cultured dairy flavours, cheese flavours, bread flavours, and other compositions where fermented notes are desirable. In cheese flavouring, it contributes to the overall complexity and perceived maturity, particularly in formulations designed to mimic aged or artisanal cheeses. In bread crust flavours, it helps to recreate the aromatic depth associated with freshly baked products that have undergone yeast-driven fermentation.
Application in Fragrance Industry
Isoamyl alcohol itself may function as a solvent, viscosity-controlling agent, or fragrance ingredient in personal care products. Its esters, particularly isoamyl acetate and isoamyl salicylate, are widely used in perfumery. Isoamyl salicylate is particularly valued for its warm, floral scent and its ability to act as a UV absorber, making it a dual-function ingredient in sunscreen and skin care products.
Application in Pharmaceutical Industry
In the pharmaceutical industry, isoamyl alcohol is used as a solvent in the extraction and purification of various active pharmaceutical ingredients. Its low toxicity relative to many alternative solvents and its favourable partition coefficient make it a practical option for liquid-liquid extraction processes. Additionally, it finds application in the production of synthetic flavours and fragrances, where its solvent properties facilitate the blending of aromatic compounds.
Application in Chemical Synthesis and Intermediate
Isoamyl alcohol plays a vital role as a chemical intermediate in the synthesis of numerous commercially important compounds. Perhaps its most well-known derivative is isoamyl acetate, commonly known as banana oil due to its characteristic banana-like fragrance. Isoamyl acetate is produced through the esterification of isoamyl alcohol with acetic acid, and it is widely used as a flavouring agent in the food industry, as a fragrance component in cosmetics, and as a solvent in various industrial applications.
Isoamyl Alcohol Benefits
Isoamyl alcohol is a compound whose benefits span a remarkable range of industries, from heavy manufacturing and pharmaceuticals to food science and molecular biology.
Benefits in Cosmetics and Personal Care
The cosmetic industry utilises isoamyl alcohol for its emollient and solvent properties. It functions as a carrier for active ingredients in skincare formulations and contributes to the texture and spreadability of creams, lotions, and serums. Additionally, because it can act as a mild antimicrobial agent, it supports product preservation and shelf-life extension in certain formulations.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Compared to many conventional solvents, isoamyl alcohol presents a relatively favourable environmental and safety profile. It is biodegradable and does not persist in the environment to the same extent as halogenated solvents. While it should still be handled with appropriate precautions — including adequate ventilation and protective equipment — its lower acute toxicity relative to methanol and other short-chain alcohols is a notable advantage in occupational health contexts.
Isoamyl Alcohol in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
The global e-cigarette and vaping industry has grown rapidly over the past decade, giving rise to an increasingly complex array of flavoured products. Among the many chemical compounds used to create these flavours, isoamyl alcohol has emerged as a notable ingredient. The banana-like aroma makes it particularly attractive to e-liquid manufacturers seeking to replicate fruit and confectionery flavour profiles.
Role of Isoamyl Alcohol in E-Liquids
The primary function of isoamyl alcohol in e-liquid formulations is as a flavouring agent. Its naturally sweet, banana-like aroma makes it a key component in fruit-flavoured, candy-flavoured, and dessert-flavoured e-liquids. When combined with certain esters—such as isoamyl acetate—it can produce convincing banana, pear, or tropical fruit flavour profiles. Manufacturers frequently use it in blends designed to mimic flavours such as banana split, tropical punch, fruit smoothie, and similar confectionery or fruit-based products.
Beyond its role as a flavouring agent, isoamyl alcohol possesses useful solvent properties. Its ability to dissolve a range of organic compounds makes it an effective co-solvent in complex e-liquid formulations. It can enhance the solubility of other flavouring agents within the propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) base that constitutes the bulk of most e-liquids, thereby improving the homogeneity and stability of the final product.
Isoamyl alcohol can also contribute to the overall sensory experience of vaping. At certain concentrations, it may impart a subtle warmth or smoothness to the inhaled vapor, modulating the throat hit that is a key aspect of user satisfaction. This sensory contribution, combined with its aroma, makes it a multifunctional ingredient in e-liquid design.
Regulatory Landscape
In the United States, the regulation of e-cigarettes and e-liquids falls under the authority of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through its Center for Tobacco Products. Under the Deeming Rule of 2016, all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are subject to federal tobacco product regulation, which includes requirements for premarket review through the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) process. Manufacturers seeking to market e-liquids containing isoamyl alcohol must demonstrate that the product is “appropriate for the protection of public health,” which includes providing evidence on the composition and toxicological profile of all ingredients.
The European Union regulates e-cigarettes and related products primarily through the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD), specifically Article 20. The TPD requires manufacturers to submit detailed ingredient notifications, including information on all constituents and their quantities, to the competent authorities of each member state. Isoamyl alcohol, as a flavouring compound, would need to be included in these notifications. The directive also mandates that e-liquid ingredients must not pose a risk to human health in heated or unheated form, placing an implicit burden on manufacturers to evaluate inhalation safety.
Isoamyl alcohol occupies a distinctive position in the landscape of e-liquid ingredients. Its appealing organoleptic properties make it a valuable tool for flavour chemists, while its established safety record in food applications provides a baseline of reassurance.
A Tobacco Flavour with Oolong Tea Type
Include the following ingredients (by weight, %):
Dimethyl sulfide, 0.15; isobutylaldehyde, 0.15; acetic acid, 0.225; isovaleraldehyde, 0.12; isoamyl alcohol, 0.15; butyric acid, 0.075; 2-methylpyrazine, 0.225; 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 1.5; 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, 0.3; phenylacetaldehyde, 0.12; 2-acetylpyrrole, 0.15; octanol, 0.09; 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazine, 0.075; linalool, 0.45; maltol, 1 .5; phenylethanol, 0.098; indole, 0.0294; benzyl acetate, 0.294; D,L-menthol, 0.049; ethyl maltol, 0.98; linalyl acetate, 0.098; 4-methyl-5-hydroxyethylthiazole, 0.049; anisyl alcohol, 0.049; cis-3-hexenyl hexanoate, 0.196; alpha-ionone, 0.0294; dihydroactinidiolide, 0.294; delta-dodecalactone, 0.147; methyl palmitate, 0.49; oolong tea extract, 19.6; propylene glycol, 72.3172.
In conclusion, isoamyl alcohol is a branched-chain primary alcohol that serves as a critical intermediate across multiple industrial sectors. As a bulk isoamyl alcohol manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of isoamyl alcohol at wholesale prices to clients around the world.