Isovaleraldehyde
Chemical compound
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Isovaleraldehyde organic compound, also known as 3-methylbutanal, with the formula (CH3)2CHCH2CHO. It is an aldehyde, a colorless liquid at STP,[1] and found in low concentrations in many types of food.[2] Commercially it is used as a reagent for the production of pharmaceuticals, perfumes and pesticides.[3]
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| Names | |
|---|---|
| Preferred IUPAC name
3-Methylbutanal | |
| Other names
Isovaleral, Isovaleric Aldehyde | |
| Identifiers | |
3D model (JSmol) |
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| ChEBI | |
| ChemSpider | |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.008.811 |
PubChem CID |
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| UNII | |
CompTox Dashboard (EPA) |
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| Properties | |
| C5H10O | |
| Molar mass | 86.134 g·mol−1 |
| Appearance | Colorless Liquid[1] |
| Density | 0.785 g/mL at 20 °C[1] |
| Melting point | −51 °C (−60 °F; 222 K)[1] |
| Boiling point | 92 °C (198 °F; 365 K)[1] |
| Soluble in alcohol and ether, slightly soluble in water[1] | |
| −57.5×10−6 cm3/mol | |
| Hazards | |
| Occupational safety and health (OHS/OSH): | |
Main hazards |
Combustible[1] |
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
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Synthesis
Synthetic routes for the production of isovaleraldehyde vary. One method is by the hydroformylation of isobutene:
- (CH3)2C=CH2 + H2 + CO → (CH3)2CH−CH2CHO
A small amount of 2,2-dimethylpropanal ((CH3)2C(CHO)CH3) side product is also generated.[3]
Another method of production involves the isomerization of isoprenol using CuO–ZnO as a catalyst. A mixture of isoprenol and prenol may also be used. These starting materials are obtained from a reaction between isobutene and formaldehyde:[3]
- CH3CH3CCH2 + CH2O → (CH3)2CHCH2CHO
Finally, in beer the compound is produced via a reaction between the amino acid leucine and reductones in the malt.[4]
Occurrences and uses
As it can be derived from leucine, the occurrence of isovaleraldehyde is not limited to beer. The compound has found to be a flavor component in many different types of foods. It is described as having a malty flavor and has been found in cheese, coffee, chicken, fish, chocolate, olive oil, and tea.[2][5]
The compound is used as a reactant in the synthesis of a number of compounds. Notably it is used to synthesize tetramethylethylene, and is then converted to pinacol and pinacolone. Pinacolone itself is then used in synthesis for number of pesticides. Additionally, a range of pharmaceuticals, such as butizide, are synthesized from isovaleraldehyde and its corresponding acid.[3] It is a common reagent or building block in organic synthesis.[6][7]
Acid-catalyzed cyclic trimerization of Isovaleraldehyde gives 2,4,6-Triisobutyl-1,3,5-trioxane [68165-40-2]. This is a flavouring agent that can be used in confectionary, tobacco, and other foodstuffs, toothpastes and the like.[8] It is described as imparting a creamy, dairy, vanilla chocolate and berry flavour.
According to IFF, isovaleraldehyde is used as a food flavorant additive.[9]