Butter esters (CAS 97926-23-3) — Sweet Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Sweet · Woody

Butter esters

CAS 97926-23-3

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Butter esters?

Butter esters are synthetic aroma molecules that recreate the rich, creamy scent of butter. They’re commonly found in food flavorings and some indulgent gourmand fragrances. These compounds matter because they add a comforting, edible quality to scents, bridging the gap between perfume and culinary experiences.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Safe in regulated products
⚠ Avoid in products for lactose-sensitive individuals
CAS
97926-23-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Woody
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Butter esters Smell Like?

Butter esters deliver an intensely creamy, slightly fatty aroma with nuances of warm milk and freshly churned butter. The scent evolves from an initial burst of dairy richness to a softer, slightly caramelized dry-down. Like the golden crust on a croissant, these esters provide a gourmand warmth that blends beautifully with vanilla and sugar accords.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau Duelle(Diptyque, 2010)

Used to create a sophisticated vanilla-butter accord that feels like a Parisian patisserie.

Angel(Mugler, 1992)

Provides the edible, comforting base that makes this gourmand pioneer so addictive.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Butter esters are synthetic compounds designed to mimic the volatile organic compounds found in dairy products. They typically contain short-chain fatty acids esterified with alcohols to recreate the characteristic buttery aroma. These are often produced through esterification reactions under controlled conditions to achieve precise olfactory profiles.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol and oils

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Gourmand Fragrances1-3%Up to 5%Provides creamy foundation
Food Flavorings0.5-2%Up to 3%Creates dairy realism

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming compositions with dairy notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Diacetyl CAS 431-03-8

For stronger butter popcorn effects, though more restricted.

2
Acetoin CAS 513-86-0

Milder butter note that works well in cream accords.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No restrictions under current IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

Considered safe at current usage levels in fragrances by RIFM.

Sustainability

As synthetic compounds, butter esters don’t require agricultural resources. Their production can be precisely controlled to minimize waste, though energy use in synthesis should be considered.

Explore Butter esters

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary PubChem
  2. Flavor and Fragrance Ingredient Database FFIDB

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 97926-23-3
Data Sources & Attribution
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.

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