3-Methylbutanal

3-Methylbutanal, also known as Isovaleraldehyde,is a colorless liquid at room temperature and is known for its pungent and intensely apple to malty aroma. This compound is a member of the aldehyde family, characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group attached to the terminal carbon of the hydrocarbon chain.

3-Methylbutanal has a distinctive, sharp, cheesy, and malty odor, reminiscent of fermented foods. Due to its strong olfactory presence, it is often used in very small quantities in flavor and fragrance formulations to impart depth and complexity. Its scent is considered valuable for mimicking certain natural odors in both the food industry and perfumery, particularly where a nuanced addition of malt, cheese, or bread-like aromas is desired.

Although less common in perfumery than in flavoring, when used, it contributes to creating complex, nuanced bases that require a malty or nutty character.

IUPAC Name: 3-methylbutanal
CAS Number: 590-86-3
Molecular Formula: C₅H₁₀O
Molecular Weight: 86.13 g/mol
Boiling Point: 92.5 °C @ 760.00 mm Hg
Melting Point: -60 °F (-51.1 °C)
Class: Aldehyde
Use/s: Scent
Synonyms
1: 3-Methylbutanal 2: ISOVALERALDEHYDE 3: 3-Methylbutyraldehyde 4: Isovaleral 5: Isopentaldehyde 6: Isoamylaldehyde 7: Isopentanal 8: Isovalerylaldehyde 9: Isovaleraldehyde
Chemist Says
Isovaleraldehyde is a colorless liquid with a weak suffocating odor. Floats on water. Produces an irritating vapor. (USCG, 1999)
Scent: Apple, Fruity, Fatty, Animal, Almond
Scent profile
Scent profiles are inherently subjective and can significantly differ among individuals, and may also be influenced by the conditions at the time of evaluation. The information provided here is a synthesis of data from diverse sources, including books, cross-references, artificial intelligence analyses, and chemical research sites, aiming to present a comprehensive overview. We've distilled this information to highlight the most frequently observed scent profiles for each molecule or compound, offering a generalized perspective.

1: Malty, Fruity, Warm
2: Malty, Bread, Nutty, Apple-like
3: Very Powerful Penetrating In Dilution Odor Fruity, Rather Pleasant
4: Apple-like odor
5: Malty, with a fruity and slightly sweet apple like character