# Isobutyl Hexanoate

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/isobutyl-hexanoate.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 105-79-3
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Isobutyl hexanoate is a synthetic ester compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It imparts fruity, apple-like sensory characteristics and is employed in small quantities to enhance the taste profiles of various processed foods and beverages.

## 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 Hexanoate?

Isobutyl hexanoate (CAS Number 105-79-3) is a synthetic organic ester belonging to the class of compounds known as fatty acid esters. Chemically, it consists of hexanoic acid (a six-carbon fatty acid) combined with isobutyl alcohol. This colorless to pale yellow liquid is characterized by a fruity, apple-like odor that makes it valuable in flavor applications.

## Common Uses

Isobutyl hexanoate is primarily used as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant in the food industry. Its fruity, somewhat apple-like taste profile makes it suitable for applications in:

- Processed fruits and fruit-flavored products
- Beverages, including soft drinks and flavored waters
- Confectionery and candy items
- Baked goods and snack foods
- Dairy products and flavored milk
- Desserts and frozen treats

The compound is typically used in very small concentrations, measured in parts per million (ppm), to achieve desired sensory characteristics without dominating the flavor profile. Its role is to enhance overall flavor complexity and appeal to consumers.

## Safety Assessment

Isobutyl hexanoate has been used in food flavoring for several decades with no recorded adverse events reported to the FDA. Additionally, no food recalls associated with this additive have been documented, indicating a strong safety record in commercial food applications.

The compound's safety profile is supported by several factors:

- No genotoxicity concerns have been identified in available literature
- The additive is used in minimal quantities, which reduces potential exposure
- Similar ester compounds have been extensively studied and deemed safe for food use
- Metabolism studies indicate the compound is readily broken down by the body into naturally occurring metabolites

The absence of adverse event reports and recalls suggests that isobutyl hexanoate, when used as intended in food manufacturing, does not present known safety concerns to consumers at typical exposure levels.

## Regulatory Status

It is important to note that isobutyl hexanoate has not been formally approved by the FDA under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) designation. However, this does not necessarily indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that manufacturers have not pursued formal GRAS status through FDA petition procedures.

Instead, this additive may be permitted under FDA regulations as a synthetic flavoring substance. The FDA maintains a list of synthetic flavoring substances that are permitted for use in food under 21 CFR 182.60. Manufacturers using such substances are responsible for ensuring they meet safety and purity standards established in the Food Chemical Codex (FCC).

International regulatory agencies in Europe and other regions have similarly permitted the use of isobutyl hexanoate in food applications, subject to specific concentration limits and purity requirements.

## Key Studies

While isobutyl hexanoate itself has not been the subject of extensive published toxicological studies specific to this single compound, the safety of related fatty acid esters has been well-established through scientific literature. General ester compounds in this category have demonstrated:

- Low acute oral toxicity
- Rapid metabolism and elimination from the body
- Minimal bioaccumulation potential
- Absence of chronic toxicity at food-use levels

The safety of structurally similar compounds and the long history of safe use in food applications support the acceptable safety profile of isobutyl hexanoate when used as a flavoring agent in accordance with good manufacturing practices and established maximum 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. "Isobutyl Hexanoate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/isobutyl-hexanoate. Accessed 2026-05-19.