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Synthetic aroma chemicals

Isovaleric acid

Also known as 3-Methylbutanoic acid, Isopentanoic acid, 3-Methylbutyric acid

CAS 503-74-2Formula C5H10O2Molar mass 102.13 g/molEC 207-975-3
GHS signal word: Danger. Pictograms: Corrosive 71 suppliers listed
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Isovaleric acid chemical structure, C5H10O2, CAS 503-74-2
2D chemical structure

Key facts

What buyers check first

All properties
Appearance
Colorless liquid
Melting point
-29.3 °C
Boiling point
176.5 °C
Density
0.931 @ 20 °C/4 °C
Flash point
70 °C
HS code
291560
Category
Synthetic aroma chemicals
UN number
UN 2810
Illustrative photo, clear liquid in a volumetric flask on a laboratory bench
Typical packagingIllustrative packaging image, not the actual product

What is Isovaleric acid?

Plain description, key identifiers and synonyms

Isovaleric acid is a C5, branched-chain saturated fatty acid. It has a role as a mammalian metabolite and a plant metabolite. It is a short-chain fatty acid, a methylbutyric acid and a branched-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of an isovalerate.

Identifiers

Registry numbers, names and line notations, tap to copy

IUPAC name
3-methylbutanoic acid
CAS number
503-74-2 CAS number cross-checkedOther or deprecated CAS: 35915-22-1, 92634-50-9
EC number
207-975-3
Molecular formula
C5H10O2
UNII
1BR7X184L5
MDL number
MFCD00002726
INCI name
ISOVALERIC ACID
InChIKey
GWYFCOCPABKNJV-UHFFFAOYSA-N
InChI
InChI=1S/C5H10O2/c1-4(2)3-5(6)7/h4H,3H2,1-2H3,(H,6,7)
SMILES (canonical and isomeric)
CC(C)CC(=O)O

Synonyms

  • 3-Methylbutanoic acid
  • Isopentanoic acid
  • 3-Methylbutyric acid
  • Isopropylacetic acid
  • Delphinic acid
  • Butanoic acid, 3-methyl-
  • Isovalerianic acid
  • Isobutylformic acid
  • beta-Methylbutyric acid
  • 3-methyl-butanoic acid
  • Acetic acid, isopropyl-
  • Butyric acid, 3-methyl-
  • Kyselina isovalerova
  • Isobutyl formic acid
  • 3-methyl-n-butyric acid
  • 3-Methylbutyrate
  • Isovalerianic
  • 3-methyl butyric acid
  • 3-methyl-butyric acid
  • Isovaleriansaeure
  • 3-Methylbuttersaeure
  • 3,4-Diisovaleryl adrenaline
  • Butanoic acid, 3-methyl-, (R)-
  • Isovaleric acid (natural)
  • Methylbutanoic acid
Show all 35 synonyms
  • b-Methylbutyrate
  • iso-valeric acid
  • 3-Methylbutanoicacid
  • b-Methylbutyric acid
  • Delphinic-acid
  • iso-C4H9COOH
  • 3-Methyl-n-butyricacid
  • Isovaleric acid, 99%
  • Isovaleric acid (Standard)
  • 4-02-00-00895 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values and descriptors computed from the structure

Physical and chemical properties

Measured values, check the supplier specification for your grade

Appearance
Colorless liquidexp.
Odour
DISAGREEABLE, RANCID-CHEESE ODORexp.
Taste
ACID TASTEexp.
Melting point
-29.3 °Cexp.
Boiling point
176.5 °Cexp.
Density
0.931 @ 20 °C/4 °Cexp.
Flash point
70 °Cexp.
Solubility
SOL IN 24 PARTS WATER, SOL IN ALCOHOL, ETHER, CHLOROFORMexp.
Vapour pressure
0.44 mm Hg at 25 °Cexp.

Values vary by grade. Ask suppliers for the COA or TDS of the batch you buy.

Computed descriptors

Calculated from the structure, useful for screening and formulation

Molecular weight
102.13 g/molcalc.
Exact mass
102.0681 Dacalc.
LogP (octanol/water)
1.12calc.
Topological polar surface area
37.3 Ųcalc.
Hydrogen bond donors
1calc.
Hydrogen bond acceptors
1calc.
Rotatable bonds
2calc.
Heavy atoms
7calc.
Rings
0calc.
Aromatic rings
0calc.
Fraction sp3 carbons
0.8calc.
Formal charge
0calc.
Stereocentres
0calc.
Lipinski rule of five
Passes (0 violations)calc.

Calculated for screening. Confirm critical figures with the supplier.

Safety and hazards

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet

GHS signal word
Danger
GHS05: Corrosive
Corrosive

Hazard statements

  • H314Causes severe skin burns and eye damage.
  • H318Causes serious eye damage.
Precautionary statements (14)
  • P260Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P264Wash skin thoroughly after handling.
  • P264 + P265Wash skin thoroughly after handling. Do not touch eyes.
  • P280Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P301 + P330 + P331If swallowed: Rinse mouth. Do not induce vomiting.
  • P302 + P361 + P354If on skin: Take off immediately all contaminated clothing. Immediately rinse with water for several minutes.
  • P304 + P340If inhaled: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P305 + P354 + P338If in eyes: Immediately rinse with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.
  • P316Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P317Get medical help.
  • P321Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instructions on the label).
  • P363Wash contaminated clothing before reuse.
  • P405Store locked up.
  • P501Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local regulations.
UN number
UN 2810

GHS classification summary, not a safety data sheet (SDS). Classifications can differ by supplier, grade and concentration. Always check the supplier's SDS.

Full safety data and first aid

Isovaleric acid suppliers

Sponsored listings first, then the documented ranking: membership, verification, replies, completeness, freshness and ratings

All 71 suppliers
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Suppliers marked Unclaimed profile have not claimed their profile yet. They are not verified by CompoundList, their offers are price on request and details may have changed, so please confirm them with the supplier. Company representatives can claim a profile with a business email on the company's own website domain. Our team verifies each claim and sends the result by email.

Where suppliers are based

71 suppliers in 15 countries

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Isovaleric acid price

Indicative price range per kg from live supplier offers

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Uses and applications

What the substance is used for, by industry and function

Fragrance ingredient in perfumes, flavor ingredient in perfumes, non-alc beverages, foods, chemical intermediate for sedatives.

Medicine, flavors, perfume.

In sedative manufacture.

Used to make fungicides, rodenticides, sedatives, narcotics, and other drugs.

Industrial uses: Intermediate.

Cosmetic ingredient, INCI name ISOVALERIC ACID(perfuming)

Roles

  • animal metabolite
  • eukaryotic metabolite
  • mammalian metabolite
  • metabolite
  • plant metabolite

Functional uses

  • Flavouring and nutrient
  • Fragrance

Cosmetic functions

  • Perfuming

How it is made

Caldwell, us patent 2,484,486 (1949 to kodak), gustak, sajko, arkiv kemi 24, 11 (1952), ca 49, 163e (1955), l'vov et al, zh prikl kim 35, 700 (1962).

With other valeric acids, by distillation from valerian, by oxidation of isoamyl alcohol.

Oxidation of isovaleradehyde.

Regulatory status

Inventories, regulations and trade controls that list this substance

Health and food

  • EU cosmetic ingredient inventory

United States

  • TSCA inventory (USA)
    Status: Active in US commerce

HS code and trade data

Customs classification and reported world trade statistics

Global trade

World import and export statistics for the HS code Isovaleric acid is traded under.

HS 2915.60Indicative HS code

Butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters

World exports in 2024
$704M
+7.9% vs 2023, imports $679M
2019 to 2024
Top exporters
  1. China24.0%
  2. United States23.0%
  3. Netherlands9.3%
Top importers
  1. India * partner reported9.8%
  2. United States9.7%
  3. Netherlands7.4%

* Partner reported figures, a lower bound.

Reported customs values in USD, not prices.Full trade data

The HS code shown for Isovaleric acid is indicative (it was assigned by structure rules). Confirm the classification with your customs broker before shipping.

Frequently asked questions

Quick answers about Isovaleric acid, based on the data on this page

What is Isovaleric acid?

Isovaleric acid is a C5, branched-chain saturated fatty acid. It has a role as a mammalian metabolite and a plant metabolite. It is a short-chain fatty acid, a methylbutyric acid and a branched-chain saturated fatty acid. It is a conjugate acid of an isovalerate.

What is the CAS number of Isovaleric acid?

The CAS registry number of Isovaleric acid is 503-74-2. Other or deprecated CAS numbers: 35915-22-1, 92634-50-9.

What is the molecular formula and weight of Isovaleric acid?

The molecular formula of Isovaleric acid is C5H10O2 and its molar mass is 102.13 g/mol.

What is Isovaleric acid used for?

Fragrance ingredient in perfumes, flavor ingredient in perfumes, non-alc beverages, foods, chemical intermediate for sedatives. Medicine, flavors, perfume. In sedative manufacture. Used to make fungicides, rodenticides, sedatives, narcotics, and other drugs. Industrial uses: Intermediate.

Is Isovaleric acid hazardous?

Isovaleric acid carries the GHS signal word "Danger". Main hazards: causes severe skin burns and eye damage, causes serious eye damage. This summary is not an SDS, always read the supplier safety data sheet.

What is the HS code of Isovaleric acid?

Isovaleric acid is usually classified under HS code 291560 (Butanoic acids, pentanoic acids, their salts and esters). This is indicative, confirm it with your customs broker before shipping.

Where can I buy Isovaleric acid?

CompoundList lists 71 suppliers of Isovaleric acid in China, United States, Germany, Egypt and 11 more. Send one free request to get and compare quotes. Your contact details stay private until you accept a quote.

Where can I buy Isovaleric acid in India?

2 suppliers in India list Isovaleric acid on CompoundList. Filter the suppliers list by country and send a request to compare prices, grades and delivery times.

What is the price of Isovaleric acid?

Suppliers quote Isovaleric acid on request because prices depend on grade, purity, quantity and destination. A free request on CompoundList gets you several quotes to compare.

Guides for buyers

Practical guides that help when you source, ship or handle Isovaleric acid

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Data last updated 7 Oct 2026. Details may have changed, please confirm them with the supplier. Report an error on this page
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