Isovaleric Acid is an organic compound with a strong, pungent odor often described as resembling sweaty feet or aged cheese. Despite its unpleasant scent at high concentrations, it is used in perfumery in extremely low concentrations to add depth and character to certain fragrances, especially those that aim for a complex, earthy profile.
Employed in minimal amounts to add complexity and an earthy tone to fragrances. It is particularly used in creating perfumes that require a unique, challenging note for added depth.
IUPAC Name: 3-methylbutanoic acidCAS Number: 503-74-2
Molecular Formula: C5H10O2
Molecular Weight: 102.13 g/mol
Boiling Point: 176.5 °C (349.7 °F)
Melting Point: -29.3 °C (-20.7 °F)
Class: Acid
Use/s: Scent
Synonyms
1: ISOVALERIC ACID 2: 3-Methylbutanoic acid 3: Isopentanoic acid 4: 3-Methylbutyric acid 5: Delphinic acid 6: Isopropylacetic acid 7: Isovalerianic acid 8: Isobutylformic acid
Chemist Says
Isopentanoic acid is a colorless liquid with a penetrating odor. It is slightly soluble in water. It is corrosive to metals and to tissue.
Scent: Rancid Cheese
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: Sharp, Cheesy, Sweaty, Pungent
2: Cheesy, Sour, Fermented
3: DISAGREEABLE, RANCID-CHEESE ODOR
4: Cheesy, sweaty, with a strong and unpleasant character
Corrosive