2-Methyl-2-Pentenoic Acid Aroma Chemical
CAS# 3142-72-1

2-Methyl-2-Pentenoic Acid (CAS 3142-72-1) is an unsaturated short-chain carboxylic acid. In its pure form, it appears as a liquid or soft waxy solid with a sharp, pungent odour typical of low-molecular-weight unsaturated acids, clearly perceptible even at very low concentrations. Because of its high odour intensity, it is generally used sparingly, primarily as a nuance modifier in fragrance and flavour compositions.

In perfumery, 2-Methyl-2-Pentenoic Acid is employed at trace levels to introduce subtle “dirty” effects with facets of sweat, cheese, sour-salty or delicately fermented notes. It is especially useful in animalic and leather accords, alcoholic beverage notes, fermented food accords, and overripe fruit effects. When carefully balanced within a complex base, it can significantly increase the realism of gourmand, dairy, smoked meat or savoury snack themes and add depth that is difficult to obtain using only “clean” aroma materials.

In flavour applications, 2-Methyl-2-Pentenoic Acid is used as a specialised impact material or blender to reproduce or reinforce cheese, butter, yogurt, processed meat and sauce profiles, always within the regulatory limits set by each jurisdiction. Due to its very strong and easily dominating character, it is typically pre-diluted before use and should be handled by experienced flavourists or formulation technologists to achieve the desired effect without overwhelming the end product.