[8] It was the target of the first enantioselective synthesis in 1904 when the German chemist W. Marckwald heated ethyl(methyl)malonic acid with the chiral base brucine and obtained an optically active product mixture.

[10] The compound and its enantiomers react as typical carboxylic acids: they can form amide, ester, anhydride, and chloride derivatives.

Racemic 2-methylbutanoic acid is a slightly volatile, colorless liquid with a pungent cheesy odor.

[2][15] The compounds' safety in this application was reviewed by an FAO and WHO panel, who concluded that there were no concerns at the likely levels of intake.

[16] Since 2-methylbutanoic acid and its esters are natural components of many foods, they are present in mammals including humans.