3-Methylbutanoic acid

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

3-Methylbutanoic acid, or more commonly isovaleric acid, is a natural fatty acid found in a wide variety of plants and essential oils. Isovaleric acid is clear colorless liquid that is sparingly soluble in water, but extremely soluble in most common organic solvents.

Isovaleric acid has a strong pungent cheesy or sweaty smell, but its volatile esters have pleasing scents and are used widely in perfumery.

Other synonyms include delphinic acid, 3-methylbutyric acid, and isopentanoic acid.