Ethyl pentanoate belongs to the esters derivative group. It is formed from pentanoic acid and ethanol, with the characteristic ester linkage represented by –COO–.
Its structure can be read directly from its name: “pentanoate” supplies the five-carbon acid-derived portion, while “ethyl” identifies the two-carbon group attached through oxygen. Its condensed structural formula is CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂COOCH₂CH₃.
Ethyl pentanoate is also called ethyl valerate. It is a colorless liquid with a fruity odor and flavor, and it is used in flavoring applications, particularly for apple-like notes. Like many small esters, it is only slightly soluble in water but dissolves more readily in many organic solvents.
A common mix-up is confusing an ester with an ether. Both contain oxygen, but an ester has a carbonyl group, C=O, directly next to the oxygen. Esters are commonly produced through esterification, in which a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol and releases water.