1,3-Dimethylbut-3-enyl isobutyrate (CAS 80118-06-05) — Green Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

Green · Citrus

1,3-Dimethylbut-3-enyl isobutyrate

CAS 80118-06-05

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

What Is 1,3-Dimethylbut-3-enyl isobutyrate?

1,3-Dimethylbut-3-enyl isobutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in modern perfumery for its fresh, fruity-green character. You’ll encounter it in body care products and some fresh floral fragrances. This molecule matters because it adds a crisp, natural-seeming top note to scents, helping create the impression of just-picked fruit without relying on natural extracts.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major restrictions in current IFRA standards
Not classified as an EU allergen
CAS
80118-06-05
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Citrus
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 1,3-Dimethylbut-3-enyl isobutyrate Smell Like?

A vibrant burst of green apple skins and underripe kiwi dominates the opening, with a subtle tropical nuance reminiscent of starfruit. The heart reveals a clean, almost ozonic freshness like crushed cucumber peel, while the base settles into a soft woody-musky whisper. Unlike many fruity esters, it maintains remarkable tenacity for a top note, evolving over hours into a delicate green tea-like dryness.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Light Blue(Dolce & Gabbana, 2001)

Used to amplify the citrus-grapefruit accord with added dimensionality, creating the sensation of sun-warmed fruit rather than simple citrus.

Un Jardin Sur Le Nil(Hermès, 2005)

Provides the unripe mango effect in the top notes, blending with grapefruit to achieve the perfume’s signature green-aquatic opening.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This branched-chain ester belongs to the class of aliphatic unsaturated esters. While not found in nature, its structure mimics volatile compounds from tropical fruits. Industrial synthesis typically involves esterification of isobutyric acid with the corresponding alcohol. The molecule’s chirality isn’t commercially significant as both enantiomers share similar olfactory properties.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor Threshold0.02 ppm in air

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
Medium-high (1-3 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Fresh top note modifier
Body Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Adds natural fruity character

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to bridge citrus and melon notes in aquatic fragrances for better cohesion.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Hexyl isobutyrate CAS 2349-07-7

More straightforward fruity ester when green nuances aren’t desired, with similar volatility but less complexity.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No restrictions under IFRA 51st Amendment.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM safety assessment completed in 2018, deemed safe at current usage levels.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, production avoids agricultural land use. Typical synthesis routes have moderate energy requirements but generate minimal hazardous waste compared to some fragrance ingredients. Not derived from petrochemical feedstocks.

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References

  1. Brenna et al. (2012). Chiral esters in perfumery. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. DOI:10.1002/ffj.2105

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

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