Ethyl Levulinate

Ethyl Levulinate, is a versatile, renewable organic ester derived from biomass sources such as cellulose and hemicellulose. With the chemical formula C₇H₁₂O₃ and molecular weight 144.17 g/mol, this clear, colorless liquid offers a pleasant fruity-green odor reminiscent of apple, pineapple, and rhubarb. It is widely recognized as a high-performance green solvent, biofuel additive, food-grade flavoring agent, and fragrance ingredient.

Technical Specifications

Packaging and Storage

• Net weight 25kg/200kg plastics drum or 1000kg IBC drum.
• Store in a dry, cool and ventilated warehouse.

Primary Applications and Benefits of Ethyl Levulinate

Ethyl Levulinate stands out for its low toxicity, high biodegradability, excellent solvency power, and renewable origin, making it an ideal choice for sustainable formulations.

Food Flavoring Agent
Imparts natural fruity notes (apple, pineapple, berry, melon) in beverages, confectionery, dairy, and baked goods.
Enhances juicy, authentic fruit profiles in blackcurrant, raspberry, blackberry, and cherry flavors at levels of 500 ppm or lower.
FEMA GRAS-approved and widely used as a clean-label, bio-based alternative to synthetic esters.

Fragrance and Perfumery
Delivers fresh, ethereal fruity-green top notes with excellent diffusion.
RIFM-assessed as safe for fragrance use; adds succulence and depth without overpowering heavier notes.
Popular in fine fragrances, personal care, and household products seeking natural aroma profiles.

Biofuel and Fuel Additive
Serves as an oxygenated diesel/biodiesel blend component and diluent for high-saturated-fatty-acid biodiesels.
Improves cold-flow properties, lubricity, flashpoint stability, and reduces cloud point.
Non-toxic, high-lubricity alternative that enhances combustion efficiency and lowers emissions.

Green Solvent and Plasticizer
Effective, biodegradable solvent for coatings, paints, inks, adhesives, and cleaning formulations.
Excellent solubility for resins, polymers, and natural extracts; suitable for cellulose acetate and starch ethers.
Low vapor pressure and high boiling point enable use in high-temperature processes.

Pharmaceutical and Chemical Intermediate
Precursor for γ-valerolactone (GVL), biofuels, and other value-added chemicals.
Used in organic synthesis and as a proton donor in catalytic reactions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Ethyl Levulinate?
Ethyl Levulinate (CAS 539-88-8) is the ethyl ester of levulinic acid, a keto-ester produced from renewable biomass.

What does Ethyl Levulinate smell and taste like?
It has a fresh, fruity odor with green, ethereal, apple-pineapple-rhubarb nuances and a sweet, waxy, melon-like taste.

Is Ethyl Levulinate safe for food and fragrance use?
Yes. It is FEMA GRAS #2442 for flavors, RIFM-approved for fragrances, and exhibits low toxicity with no genotoxic concerns in published assessments.

Can Ethyl Levulinate be used as a biofuel additive?
Absolutely. It improves lubricity, cold-flow properties, and stability in biodiesel and diesel blends while being non-toxic and renewable.

What is the difference between Ethyl Levulinate and Methyl Levulinate?
Ethyl Levulinate has a longer carbon chain, providing better cold-flow performance in fuels and a slightly softer, fruitier aroma profile in flavors/fragrances.

How should Ethyl Levulinate be stored?
Store in a cool, dry place in tightly sealed containers away from strong oxidizers and heat sources. Shelf life is typically 24+ months under proper conditions.

Where can I buy Ethyl Levulinate?

You can contact us via email [email protected] for offers and bulk orders.