Ethyl pentanoate, also commonly known as ethyl valerate, is an
organic compound
In chemistry, organic compounds are generally any chemical compounds that contain carbon-hydrogen or carbon-carbon bonds. Due to carbon's ability to catenate (form chains with other carbon atoms), millions of organic compounds are known. The ...
used in flavors. It is an
ester
In chemistry, an ester is a compound derived from an oxoacid (organic or inorganic) in which at least one hydroxyl group () is replaced by an alkoxy group (), as in the substitution reaction of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. Glycerides ar ...
with the molecular formula C
7H
14O
2. This colorless liquid is poorly soluble in water but
miscible
Miscibility () is the property of two substances to mix in all proportions (that is, to fully dissolve in each other at any concentration), forming a homogeneous mixture (a solution). The term is most often applied to liquids but also applies ...
with organic solvents.
As is the case with most volatile esters, it has a pleasant aroma and taste. It is used as a
food additive
Food additives are substances added to food to preserve flavor or enhance taste, appearance, or other sensory qualities. Some additives have been used for centuries as part of an effort to preserve food, for example vinegar (pickling), salt (salt ...
to impart a fruity flavor, particularly of apple.
References
{{Esters
Ethyl esters
Food additives
Flavors
Valerate esters