Methyl heptanoate

Methyl heptanoate is an organic compound with the chemical formula. It is the methyl ester of heptanoic acid. This fatty acid ester is a colorless, oily liquid with a fruity, wine-like odor that is used in the flavor and fragrance industries.

Properties

Methyl heptanoate is a colorless to pale yellow liquid at room temperature. It has a characteristic orris, winey, brandy-like aroma with cognac and fruity undertones. The compound is practically insoluble in water but miscible with most organic solvents and oils.

Occurrence and production

Methyl heptanoate occurs naturally in trace amounts in some fruits and fermented products. It has been identified as a volatile component in fruits such as strawberries, grapes, and wine and in flowering plants such as Astragalus.
Commercially, it is produced by esterification of heptanoic acid with methanol in the presence of an acid catalyst or via transesterification of triglycerides containing heptanoic acid. It is also available through the methanolysis of natural oils that contain other heptanoate esters.

Uses

Methyl heptanoate is primarily used in the flavor and fragrance industry:

As a component of artificial cognac, brandy, wine, and fruit flavorings
In perfumes to impart green, fruity, and winey notes
As a trace ingredient in strawberry, grape, and other fruit flavor compositions

It is approved as a flavoring agent in many countries and has the FEMA number 2705.

Safety

Methyl heptanoate has low acute toxicity; its s include > 5,000 mg/kg and > 5,000 mg/kg. It may cause mild skin and eye irritation upon direct contact. The compound is combustible, but does not present a fire or explosion hazard beyond those typical of flammable esters.