# Methyl 3-acetoxy-2-methylbutyrate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 139564-42-4
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Methyl 3-acetoxy-2-methylbutyrate is a synthetic flavoring compound used to impart fruity and creamy taste notes in food and beverage products. This ester-based ingredient functions as a flavoring agent or adjuvant in the food industry.

## 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 Methyl 3-acetoxy-2-methylbutyrate?

Methyl 3-acetoxy-2-methylbutyrate is a synthetic organic compound classified as an ester, specifically belonging to the family of acetylated flavor compounds. Identified by CAS Number 139564-42-4, this substance is manufactured through chemical synthesis and is designed to provide sensory properties that enhance the flavor profile of food products. As a synthetic flavoring agent, it does not occur naturally in foods but is created in controlled manufacturing environments to meet specific flavor specifications.

## Common Uses

This flavoring agent is primarily used in the food and beverage industry to create fruity, creamy, and buttery flavor notes. It may be incorporated into a variety of products including flavored beverages, dairy products, confectionery items, baked goods, and other processed foods where enhanced or novel flavor profiles are desired. The specific sensory properties of this compound make it valuable for formulating products that require sophisticated fruity or creamy taste characteristics. Its application is typically in very small quantities, as is standard practice with concentrated flavoring agents.

## Safety Assessment

Methyl 3-acetoxy-2-methylbutyrate has not been granted Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status by the FDA, which means it has not undergone the formal GRAS affirmation process. However, the absence of GRAS status does not necessarily indicate safety concerns. Rather, it reflects that formal FDA review and determination have not been completed or pursued. According to FDA records, there have been zero adverse events reported and zero recalls associated with this additive, suggesting that if it has been used in food products, no significant safety issues have emerged from consumer exposure. This absence of documented adverse events or recall activity is noteworthy and indicates no identified public health concerns to date.

The safety profile of a synthetic flavoring agent like this is typically evaluated based on factors including toxicological data, intended use levels, dietary exposure estimates, and any available research on similar compounds. Ester-based flavoring compounds, as a class, have been used in food for decades, and many similar structures have established safety histories. The specific toxicological properties and metabolism of methyl 3-acetoxy-2-methylbutyrate would require review of proprietary safety studies and technical literature.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, this compound is not GRAS-affirmed and does not appear on the FDA's approved flavor additives list. Its regulatory status may vary internationally. In the European Union, flavor compounds are regulated under different frameworks, and their approval status through EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) may differ from FDA determinations. Any food product containing this additive would need to comply with applicable regulations in its jurisdiction of sale. Manufacturers seeking to use this ingredient would typically need to either obtain GRAS determination or follow procedures for food additive petitions or approvals in their target markets.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically evaluating methyl 3-acetoxy-2-methylbutyrate in peer-reviewed sources appears limited in publicly available databases. Safety assessments for synthetic flavoring agents typically rely on a combination of in vitro studies, animal toxicology studies, and computational toxicology models. The structural similarity of this compound to other acetylated esters may inform safety assessments through read-across approaches, where safety data from chemically similar substances inform conclusions about untested compounds. However, without access to proprietary safety dossiers or published studies, specific research details cannot be cited here. Researchers or manufacturers with detailed safety information are encouraged to consult directly with regulatory agencies for specific safety data requirements and guidance.

## 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. "Methyl 3-acetoxy-2-methylbutyrate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/methyl-3-acetoxy-2-methylbutyrate. Accessed 2026-05-19.