Ethyl valerate (CAS 539-82-2)

Ethyl valerate, an ester derived from valeric acid and ethanol, is a significant compound in research focused on flavor chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and material science. Its fruity aroma makes it a useful model for studying esterification processes, providing insights into the kinetics and mechanisms of ester synthesis. This knowledge is particularly relevant in developing catalysts and optimizing reaction conditions in organic chemistry. Moreover, ethyl valerate serves as a volatile organic compound in studies investigating the composition and behavior of esters in various natural matrices like fruits and fermentation products. Researchers analyze its formation and degradation pathways to better understand ester biosynthesis and its relationship with microbial activity. This is crucial in exploring how microbial fermentation can alter ester profiles, which is highly significant for flavor and fragrance chemistry. In material science, ethyl valerate is utilized as a plasticizer to improve the flexibility and durability of polymers. It serves as a model compound to study interactions between plasticizers and polymer matrices, helping researchers comprehend how esters influence mechanical properties. These studies extend to developing new biodegradable plastics and polymer blends where ester interactions significantly impact the thermal and physical behavior of the final product.