# Isobutyl Acetoacetate

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 7779-75-1
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Isobutyl acetoacetate is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It contributes fruity and buttery notes to food and beverages, functioning as a flavoring adjuvant to enhance or modify taste profiles.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is Isobutyl Acetoacetate?

Isobutyl acetoacetate (CAS Number: 7779-75-1) is an organic ester compound classified as a flavoring agent. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with fruity and buttery aromatic characteristics. The compound belongs to the family of acetoacetic esters, which are commonly used in the flavor and fragrance industries to impart or enhance specific taste and aroma notes in food products.

## Common Uses

Isobutyl acetoacetate is used as a flavoring agent or flavoring adjuvant in the food industry. Its primary applications include:

- Beverage flavoring, particularly in fruit-flavored drinks
- Confectionery and candy products
- Dairy products and ice cream
- Baked goods and bakery products
- Processed foods requiring fruity or buttery notes

The compound contributes subtle flavor notes that enhance the overall sensory profile of finished products. It is typically used in very small quantities, measured in parts per million (ppm), which is characteristic of flavoring agents.

## Safety Assessment

Isobutyl acetoacetate has not been granted GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) status by the FDA. However, this does not indicate that the substance is unsafe; rather, it indicates that a formal GRAS determination has not been submitted to or accepted by the FDA.

The FDA maintains no recorded adverse events associated with isobutyl acetoacetate in its database. Additionally, there are no recorded recalls involving this additive. These factors suggest a favorable safety profile in practical food applications, though the absence of GRAS status means its use is regulated differently than GRAS-approved flavoring agents.

The compound exhibits low acute toxicity based on available toxicological data. Like most ester-based flavoring agents, isobutyl acetoacetate is expected to be metabolized through standard biochemical pathways in the body.

## Regulatory Status

Isobutyl acetoacetate's regulatory status varies internationally. In the United States, it falls under FDA regulations for food additives and flavoring substances. Without GRAS status, its use must comply with FDA food additive regulations, which typically require pre-market approval for direct food use or reliance on other regulatory pathways.

In the European Union, certain acetoacetic esters are evaluated by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for use in food flavorings. Regulatory frameworks in different countries may classify this compound differently based on their respective food safety standards and acceptable use levels.

Manufacturers using isobutyl acetoacetate must ensure compliance with local food additive regulations where their products are sold, as requirements differ by jurisdiction.

## Key Studies

Limited published literature specifically addresses isobutyl acetoacetate toxicity in isolation. Safety assessments for this compound are primarily based on:

- Chemical structure-activity relationship (SAR) assessments common to ester-based flavoring agents
- General toxicological data for acetoacetic esters
- Practical experience from use in food applications
- The compound's chemical similarity to other approved flavoring agents

The lack of adverse events and recalls in FDA databases, combined with its use at minimal levels typical of flavoring agents (usually less than 50 ppm), supports an acceptable safety profile. However, comprehensive chronic toxicity studies specific to isobutyl acetoacetate have not been widely published in scientific literature.

Research on related acetoacetic esters demonstrates that these compounds are generally suitable for use in food flavoring applications when used at appropriate levels. The absence of reported safety concerns in decades of food industry use provides practical evidence of safety under normal conditions of use.

## 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. "Isobutyl Acetoacetate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/isobutyl-acetoacetate. Accessed 2026-05-19.