Manzanate

Synthetic Ingredient Overview

• 🔎 Chemical Name: Ethyl 2-methylpentanoate

• 🧪 Synonyms: Manzanate

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₈H₁₆O₂

• 📂 CAS N°: 39255-32-8

• 📘 FEMA: 3488

• ⚖️ MW: 144.2 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type: Fruity, Fresh

• 📈 Odor Strength: Medium

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Crisp green apple, pineapple, cider-like; fresh, bright, juicy

• ⚗️ Uses: Top note modifier for fruity, floral, green, and citrus compositions

• 🧴 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid

What is Manzanate?

Manzanate is a low molecular weight ester derived synthetically to emulate the scent of ripe green apple with fermented fruit and cider nuances. It emerged during the mid-20th century as part of a broader development of synthetic fruity top notes, addressing the instability and variability of natural apple materials in perfumery.

Though found in trace amounts in some fermented fruits, Manzanate is not naturally occurring in meaningful quantities and is synthesized for commercial use. Its scent is fresh, bright, and immediately recognizable, with excellent volatility and bloom, particularly in water-contact formulations such as shampoos and liquid soaps.

Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications

Manzanate is widely employed for its top-note brightness and diffusive sweetness. It is compatible with:

• Fruity accords: Green apple, pineapple, pear, and melon

• Floral compositions: Muguet, freesia, jasmine, and neroli

• Citrus profiles: Lemon, bergamot, lime

• Green herbaceous blends: Basil, violet leaf, galbanum

Notable Functions:

• Enhances fruit realism and juiciness

• Acts as a blender between citrus and floral elements

• Lends dynamism to gourmand and youthful fragrance types

Recommended use levels:

• Fine fragrances: 0.2–2%

• Personal care (rinse-off): up to 1.5%

• Functional products (air fresheners, detergents): up to 3%

Industrial & Technical Uses

Outside fine perfumery, Manzanate is used in:

• Shampoos and body washes (enhances top-note bloom upon water contact)

• Air fresheners and laundry detergents (fruity refreshment and masking)

• Flavor compositions (FEMA 3488) — particularly in apple, strawberry, and pineapple profiles, used at low ppm levels

• Candies, beverages, syrups (regulated food additive under GRAS conditions)

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• IFRA Guidelines: No current restrictions; standard allergen compliance applies

• EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 – Annex III: No declarable allergens associated

• FEMA GRAS No. 3488: Approved for use in flavors

• ECHA Classification: Not classified as hazardous under REACH

• Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable

• Aquatic Toxicity: Low environmental concern at normal concentrations

🧪 Manzanate is considered safe when used at recommended concentrations. Not a known sensitizer. Suitable for both rinse-off and leave-on formulations.

Conclusion

Manzanate (ethyl 2-methylpentanoate) offers a bright, crisp apple character with a cider-fruity twist, ideal for top-note enrichment in modern perfumery. It bridges green, citrus, and fruity accords, adding vitality and realism. Its application across fine fragrance, personal care, household, and flavor sectors underscores its versatility and sensory appeal. Whether used for its juiciness, diffusiveness, or naturalistic freshness, Manzanate remains a staple material in fruity-perfume design.

Sources

• Perfume and Flavor Chemicals – Steffen Arctander (1969)

• FEMA GRAS Database – FEMA No. 3488

• PubChem CID 5363513: Ethyl 2-methylpentanoate

• Givaudan Material Monograph (2022)

• NIST Chemistry WebBook

• Scentspiracy Archives (Fulvio Ciccolo)