Isoamyl octanoate (CAS 2035-99-6) — Sweet Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Isoamyl octanoate
CAS 2035-99-6
What Is Isoamyl octanoate?
Isoamyl octanoate is a synthetic ester used in perfumery and flavoring. Consumers encounter it primarily in fruity fragrances and tropical-flavored food products. This ingredient contributes a sweet, banana-like aroma with tropical nuances that makes it valuable for creating summery, vibrant scent profiles.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Isoamyl octanoate Smell Like?
Isoamyl octanoate bursts with an intensely sweet, ripe banana top note that’s almost candied in its richness. As it evolves, the heart reveals creamy coconut undertones and a hint of tropical pineapple. The dry-down softens into a warm, slightly waxy fruitiness reminiscent of banana peel. Its character remains straightforward but potent – a linear tropical fruit bomb that lasts surprisingly well for an ester, leaving a faintly buttery trail.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to amplify the tropical coconut-banana accord, blending with lime and rum notes to create a photorealistic beach cocktail effect.
Provides the candied banana facet that complements the solar floral accord, adding edible warmth to the suntan lotion illusion.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Isoamyl octanoate belongs to the ester class, formed through Fischer esterification between isoamyl alcohol and octanoic acid. As a synthetic material, it’s typically produced in industrial settings using acid catalysis. The molecule features a branched five-carbon alcohol moiety esterified with a medium-chain fatty acid, giving it both fruity character and moderate longevity. Its relatively simple structure makes it inexpensive to produce at high purity.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 260 °C (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.86 g/cm³ (estimated) |
| Refractive Index | 1.428 (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Tropical fruit accords |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-1% | Up to 3% | Candles, air fresheners |
| Flavor | 10-50 ppm | Up to 100 ppm | Banana flavors |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly in floral compositions to add naturalistic fruitiness without overwhelming delicate notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More volatile with sharper banana note, better for top notes when less sweetness is desired.
Less tropical with more pear-like character, useful when subtler fruitiness is needed.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions apply.
RIFM Assessment
Evaluated by RIFM with no significant safety concerns at current use levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, isoamyl octanoate has minimal environmental impact in production. Its efficient synthesis from petrochemical feedstocks makes it more sustainable than extracting similar notes from natural sources. The molecule biodegrades relatively quickly in the environment.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPerfumer’s Notes
FEMA #: 2080 | IOFI #: Nature Identical
Isoamyl octanoate has a fruity odor.
Odor: [‘cognac’, ‘fatty’, ‘fruity’, ‘green’, ‘oily’, ‘pineapple’, ‘waxy’, ‘winey’]
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