3-Methyl-2-butenyl benzoate (CAS 5205-11-8) — Sweet Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
3-Methyl-2-butenyl benzoate
CAS 5205-11-8
What Is 3-Methyl-2-butenyl benzoate?
3-Methyl-2-butenyl benzoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumes and scented products. It imparts a fruity, floral aroma with subtle woody undertones. Consumers encounter it in fine fragrances, body care products, and household cleaners. This ester compound matters because it adds complexity and longevity to fragrance compositions, acting as a versatile modifier that bridges top and heart notes.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 3-Methyl-2-butenyl benzoate Smell Like?
3-Methyl-2-butenyl benzoate opens with a bright burst of ripe berries and crushed rose petals, like stumbling upon a wild berry bush in full bloom. As it settles, the scent evolves into a velvety floral heart with whispers of benzoin resin, reminiscent of sun-warmed apricots dipped in honey. The dry-down reveals a sophisticated woody-musky base that lingers like the memory of a summer orchard at dusk.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to amplify the spicy-woody facets of rose while adding fruity depth that prevents the composition from becoming too powdery.
Provides a luminous fruity-floral counterpoint to the dark angelica root, creating an intriguing chiaroscuro effect.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(C)=CCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3-Methyl-2-butenyl benzoate is an ester formed by the condensation of benzoic acid with 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol (prenol). This synthetic compound belongs to the class of prenyl esters, known for their fruity-floral odor characteristics. Industrially, it’s typically produced via Fischer esterification under acidic conditions. The prenyl group contributes to the molecule’s moderate volatility and tenacity, making it particularly useful in fragrance applications where a balance between diffusion and longevity is desired.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 204.27 g/mol |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | ~300 °C (estimated) |
| Density | ~1.02 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 2-5% | Up to 8% | Adds fruity-floral complexity |
| Body Care | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Provides long-lasting scent |
| Household Products | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Enhances cleaning product fragrances |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to bridge citrus top notes with floral heart notes while adding subtle fruity nuances.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When a more honeyed, rosy character is desired without the fruity prenyl nuances.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA. No specific limitations apply under Amendment 49.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has reviewed this material and found it safe for current usage levels in fragrances.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 3-Methyl-2-butenyl benzoate offers consistent quality without natural sourcing constraints. Production can be optimized for minimal environmental impact through green chemistry principles. Unlike some natural alternatives, it doesn’t contribute to overharvesting of botanical resources.
Explore 3-Methyl-2-butenyl benzoate
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References
- Bickers et al. (2005). Safety assessment of esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (parabens). Food and Chemical Toxicology. PubChem
- IFRA Standards Library, Amendment 49 IFRA
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 5205-11-8Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 190.24 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.2🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 262 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.0245 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 125.1 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0019💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.588💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC(=CCOC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1)C🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Heart💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 3.1 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | balsamicfloralsweettea• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | esteretheralkenearomatic💻 RDKit |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID8047131
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 190.242 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.018 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 267.161 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | -7.913 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 117.566 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.516 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 186.769 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.379 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.379 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.379 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.11 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.013 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 4.351 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 34.682 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 136.99 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 26.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 3 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 56.458 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 22.382 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
