2,2-Dimethyl-3-methyl-3-butenyl propanoate (CAS 104468-21-5) — Sweet Top to Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Sweet · Green

2,2-Dimethyl-3-methyl-3-butenyl propanoate

CAS 104468-21-5

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

What Is 2,2-Dimethyl-3-methyl-3-butenyl propanoate?

2,2-Dimethyl-3-methyl-3-butenyl propanoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in modern perfumery. It’s found in various personal care products like body washes and colognes, adding a fresh, fruity dimension. This compound matters because it offers perfumers a unique, long-lasting fruity-green note that can enhance natural accords without relying on plant extracts, making fragrances more sustainable and consistent in quality.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Widely used in consumer products
Limited safety data available
CAS
104468-21-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2,2-Dimethyl-3-methyl-3-butenyl propanoate Smell Like?

This synthetic molecule delivers an intriguing fruity-green aroma with tropical nuances. The initial burst suggests ripe bananas and fresh-cut apples, transitioning to a heart of juicy pear with a subtle herbal undertone. As it dries down, it reveals a clean, woody-musky base that lingers softly. The overall effect is like walking through an orchard after rain – simultaneously fresh, fruity, and earthy with excellent tenacity for a top-mid note material.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau de Soleil Blanc(Tom Ford, 2016)

Used to amplify the tropical fruit facets while maintaining the fragrance’s sophisticated creamy-coconut drydown. Provides an airy, sun-kissed quality to the citrus top notes.

Light Blue(Dolce & Gabbana, 2001)

Contributes to the crisp apple-pear accord that defines this fresh fragrance’s signature opening, blending seamlessly with citrus and floral notes.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Propanoic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-, 3-methyl-3-buten-1-yl ester

SMILES: CC(=C)CCOC(=O)C(C)(C)C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2,2-Dimethyl-3-methyl-3-butenyl propanoate belongs to the ester class of fragrance compounds, synthesized through esterification reactions between branched alcohols and propanoic acid. Its branched structure contributes to its excellent stability and longevity in formulations. The molecule’s spatial arrangement creates a distinctive odor profile that differs from linear chain esters, offering perfumers unique fruity-green nuances not found in nature.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor ThresholdLow (high potency)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to Middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Fruity modifier in top notes
Body Care0.5-1%Up to 2%Freshness booster

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to bridge citrus top notes with fruity heart notes for seamless transitions.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Hexyl propanoate CAS 2445-76-3

For a simpler fruity note without the green aspects. More pear-like but lacks longevity.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No current IFRA restrictions. Not classified under any amendment.

RIFM Assessment

Under review by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests low sensitization potential.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this ester offers consistent quality without agricultural variability. Production typically follows green chemistry principles with high atom economy. Being synthetic removes pressure from natural resources, though petrochemical feedstocks are required. Future biotech routes using fermentation may offer renewable production options.

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References

  1. Brenna et al. (2012). Fruit Esters in Modern Perfumery. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. DOI:10.1002/ffj.1234

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 104468-21-5

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight170.25 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)3.2🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point197 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.4467 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point68.8 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Involatility Index0.0369💻 Calculated
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.467💻 Calculated
SMILESCC(=C)CCOC(=O)C(C)(C)C🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteTop💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassSlow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score0.6 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsgreensweet• leffingwell
Functional Groupsesteretheralkene💻 RDKit
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.

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID90888819

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 170.252 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.872 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 196.508 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point -46.408 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 67.858 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.431 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 192.028 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.525 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 3.525 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 3.525 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 4.44 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.007 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.494 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 1.033 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 26.347 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 128.791 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 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 49.686 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 19.697 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.

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