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Organic Acids

Isobutyric acid

CAS: 79-31-2

Overview

Isobutyric acid ( CAS 79-31-2 ), also known as isobutanoic acid, is a short-chain branched carboxylic acid used across food, fragrance, and pharmaceutical manufacturing. It functions primarily as a chemical intermediate and flavoring agent.

The compound is identified by FEMA 2222 and serves as a pH regulator in industrial and specialty formulations. In flavor and fragrance production, it serves as a precursor to isobutyrate esters.

These compounds deliver fruity, cheesy, and buttery notes in food products and perfumery. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use it as a synthetic intermediate in the production of active ingredients and excipients.

It is particularly useful for applications requiring branched-chain acid building blocks. In personal care formulations, isobutyrate derivatives contribute to fragrance profiles in lotions and shampoos.

The acid also functions as a catalyst precursor and pH-adjusting agent in specialty chemical synthesis and fermentation processes. It is supplied as a colorless liquid in drum, IBC, and bulk quantities.

Food-grade material meeting FCC specifications is available for flavor and food additive applications. Technical-grade material is offered for industrial synthesis and non-food uses.

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Physical Properties

Melting Point-47 °C
Boiling Point152-155 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density0.950 g/cm³ @ Temp: 20 °C
Flash Point132 °F
Appearanceclear colourless liquid
ColorClear colorless
Odorat 1.00 % in propylene glycol. acidic sour cheese dairy buttery rancid
FormLiquid
Water Solubility210 g/L (20 ºC)
Vapor Pressure1.5 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Indexn 20/D 1.393(lit.)
pH2.3 (500g/l, H2O, 25℃)
Log P1.1 at 25℃

Safety & Handling

Warning GHS07 GHS02 GHS05 GHS06 Hazard Statements H226 Flammable liquid and vapor H301 Toxic if swallowed H302 Harmful if swallowed H311 Toxic in contact with skin H312 Harmful in contact with skin H314 Causes severe skin burns and eye damage H318 Causes serious eye damage H335 May cause respiratory irritation Precautionary Statements P210 Keep away from heat, hot surfaces, sparks, open flames and other ignition sources. No smoking. P233 Keep container tightly closed. P240 Ground and bond container and receiving equipment. P241 Use explosion-proof [electrical/ventilating/lighting/…] equipment. P242 Use non-sparking tools. P243 Take action to prevent static discharges. P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P262 Do not get in eyes, on skin, or on clothing. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P317 Get emergency medical help. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P330 Rinse mouth. P363 Wash contaminated clothing before reuse. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P301+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P301+P317 Get emergency medical help. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P361+P364 Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P370+P378 Use … for extinction. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P403+P235 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep cool. P301+P330+P331 Rinse mouth. Do NOT induce vomiting. P302+P361+P354 IF ON SKIN: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P303+P361+P353 IF ON SKIN (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Rinse skin with water/shower. P305+P354+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29156000
UN Number2529
ADR Class3
Packing GroupIII
Storage Class3 - Flammable liquids
WGK (Germany)1

Other Names

isopropylformic acid | isobutanoic acid | iso-C3H7COOH | i-butyric acid | alpha-methylpropionic acid | alpha-methylpropanoic acid | alpha-isobutyric acid | a-methylpropionic acid

Related Products

Chemical Properties

CAS Number
79-31-2
EC Number
201-195-7
Mol. Weight
88.11
HS Code
29156000

Industries

Documentation