What molecule am I?
Isovaleraldehyde, formally 3-methylbutanal, is a pungent liquid that occurs in natural oils such as orange, lemon, peppermint, and eucalyptus. It is also found in processed foods such as beer, cheese, and chocolate. Its odor has been described variously from 鈥渁pple-like鈥� to 鈥渟uffocating鈥�.
In addition to its natural sources, isovaleraldehyde can be synthesized in several ways, including
- the oxidation of isoamyl alcohol with Na2Cr2O7 and H2SO4,
- the hydroformylation of isobutene,
- the isomerization of 3-methyl-3-butene-1-ol catalyzed by CuO鈥揨nO, and
- the reaction between isobutene and formaldehyde.
Isovaleraldehyde鈥檚 strong aroma makes it useful (in small amounts) as a perfume component. So . . . perfume, chocolate, and beer . . . what else could you possibly need for Valentine鈥檚 Day?
Isovaleraldehyde hazard information
| GHS classification*: flammable liquids, category 2 | |
| H225鈥擧ighly flammable liquid and vapor |  |
| GHS classification: skin sensitization, category 1 | |
| H317鈥擬ay cause an allergic skin reaction |  |
| GHS classification: serious eye damage/eye irritation, category 2A | |
| H319鈥擟auses serious eye irritation | |
| GHS classification: specific target organ toxicity, single exposure, respiratory tract irritation, category 3 | |
| H335鈥擬ay cause respiratory irritation | |
| GHS classification: hazardous to the aquatic environment, long-term hazard, category 2 | |
| H411鈥擳oxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects |  |
*Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals.聽
Isovaleraldehyde fast facts
| CAS Reg. No. | 590-86-3 |
| Empirical formula | C5H10O |
| Molar mass | 86.13 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Boiling point | 92鈥�93 潞C |
| Water solubility | 1.4鈥�20 g/La |
aConflicting data in literature
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