# 2-methylbutyraldehyde

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 96-17-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

2-methylbutyraldehyde is a naturally occurring organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts a fruity, slightly malty aroma and is employed in small quantities to enhance the sensory profile of beverages, confections, and other processed foods.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | approved |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is 2-methylbutyraldehyde?

2-methylbutyraldehyde (CAS Number: 96-17-3) is an aliphatic aldehyde belonging to the family of volatile organic compounds used in food flavoring. It occurs naturally in trace amounts in various foods, including fermented beverages, fruits, and aged spirits. The compound is a colorless liquid with a characteristic fruity, apple-like aroma with malty undertones. In food manufacturing, it is synthesized and added in controlled quantities to achieve desired flavor profiles.

## Common Uses

2-methylbutyraldehyde is classified as a flavoring agent and flavoring adjuvant. Its primary applications include:

- Beverage flavoring: Used in alcoholic beverages, particularly whiskeys and aged spirits to enhance complexity
- Confectionery: Added to candies, chewing gums, and chocolate products for fruity notes
- Processed foods: Incorporated into dairy products, baked goods, and savory snacks
- Flavoring compounds: Used as a building block in complex flavor formulations

The compound is typically used in very small quantities, measured in parts per million (ppm), to achieve the desired sensory effect without dominating the overall flavor profile.

## Safety Assessment

2-methylbutyraldehyde has a favorable safety profile based on available data. The FDA has recorded zero adverse events associated with this additive in its adverse event database. Additionally, no product recalls have been initiated due to this ingredient. The compound's safety is supported by its natural occurrence in food and established history of safe use at low concentrations in food manufacturing.

The toxicological profile of 2-methylbutyraldehyde indicates low systemic toxicity when ingested at typical food flavoring concentrations. As with all aldehydes, the compound is more hazardous in occupational settings during manufacturing, where proper ventilation and handling protocols are essential. However, residual levels in finished food products are far below exposure thresholds of concern.

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated similar flavoring compounds in this chemical class. While 2-methylbutyraldehyde specifically may not have undergone independent EFSA assessment, structurally similar aldehydes have been deemed safe for use in food flavoring at established levels.

## Regulatory Status

2-methylbutyraldehyde is not approved under the FDA's Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) classification. This does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that the compound may be regulated under Food Additive Petition procedures or used through alternative regulatory pathways. In the United States, it is permitted for use as a flavoring substance under 21 CFR 182.60, which allows natural and synthetic flavoring substances meeting specified safety criteria.

The substance is approved for use in food flavoring in the European Union and other major regulatory jurisdictions. Approved uses are typically limited to specific food categories with maximum use levels established to ensure safe consumption.

## Key Studies

While specific peer-reviewed studies exclusively focused on 2-methylbutyraldehyde food safety are limited in the public domain, the compound's safety profile is informed by:

- General aldehyde toxicology literature demonstrating low oral toxicity at food-relevant doses
- Natural occurrence data showing the compound exists in fermented foods without documented adverse effects
- Structural similarity to other GRAS-approved aldehydes (such as 2-methylbutanal derivatives)
- Decades of safe use history in flavoring applications across multiple food categories
- FDA adverse event surveillance showing zero reported incidents

The lack of adverse events despite widespread use in food products provides practical evidence supporting the safety of this additive at approved use levels.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "2-methylbutyraldehyde — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/2-methylbutyraldehyde. Accessed 2026-05-19.