# Isobutyraldehyde

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 78-84-2
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Isobutyraldehyde (CAS 78-84-2) is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It contributes fruity and malty flavor notes to various processed foods and beverages.

## 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 Isobutyraldehyde?

Isobutyraldehyde, also known as 2-methylpropanal, is a volatile organic aldehyde with the chemical formula C4H8O. It is a colorless liquid with a distinctive fruity and malty odor. The compound occurs naturally in small quantities in various foods and is produced through both chemical synthesis and fermentation processes for use as a food flavoring agent.

## Common Uses

Isobutyraldehyde is primarily used in the food and beverage industry as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant. It contributes fruity, apple-like, and malty notes to products including:

- Alcoholic beverages, particularly whiskeys and craft beverages
- Processed fruits and fruit-flavored products
- Confectionery and baked goods
- Non-alcoholic flavored beverages
- Dairy products and flavor formulations

As a volatile compound, it is often used in small concentrations where its aromatic properties can significantly impact the sensory profile of the final product. The compound is valued in flavor chemistry for its ability to enhance or recreate specific taste and aroma characteristics.

## Safety Assessment

Isobutyraldehyde has an established history of use in food flavoring with no reported adverse events documented in FDA databases. The compound does not have an FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) designation, though this does not indicate safety concerns; rather, it reflects that formal GRAS status has not been pursued or established through the regulatory process.

The compound is volatile and degrades readily during processing and storage, which limits potential systemic exposure. Toxicological studies on similar aldehydes and the chemical's metabolic fate suggest it is metabolized efficiently by the body through standard aldehyde oxidation pathways.

No FDA recalls or safety warnings are associated with isobutyraldehyde use in food products. The absence of adverse event reports combined with historical use data suggests the compound has not posed significant safety concerns at typical use levels in food applications.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, isobutyraldehyde is permitted for use as a flavoring agent, though it does not carry formal GRAS status. The FDA regulates it as a food additive under the authority of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

In the European Union, isobutyraldehyde (EFSA FLAVIS number FL 13.087) has been evaluated and permitted for use as a flavoring agent in food products. The European regulatory framework provides specifications and usage guidelines for the compound.

Regulatory status varies internationally. Some countries permit its use while others maintain stricter restrictions on synthetic flavoring compounds. Manufacturers using isobutyraldehyde in exported products must comply with the specific regulations of each destination market.

## Key Studies

Limited published peer-reviewed literature specifically addresses isobutyraldehyde toxicity. The compound's safety profile is largely informed by:

- Structural similarity to other aldehydes with established safety data
- Historical use patterns in food and beverage products without adverse reports
- Rapid metabolism and volatility reducing bioaccumulation potential
- Regulatory acceptance in multiple international food safety frameworks

The lack of specific clinical or epidemiological studies does not indicate safety concerns but rather reflects that the compound has not been identified as requiring targeted investigation. Standard toxicological approaches applied to volatile flavoring compounds suggest isobutyraldehyde is metabolized through normal phase I detoxification pathways.

## 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. "Isobutyraldehyde — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/isobutyraldehyde. Accessed 2026-05-19.