2-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane (CAS 33941-99-0) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Green · Floral

2-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane

CAS 33941-99-0

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

What Is 2-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane?

2-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add fresh, green, and slightly floral nuances to perfumes. It’s found in various personal care products like body sprays and fabric softeners. This molecule helps create crisp, clean scent profiles that mimic natural aromas without relying on plant extracts.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major restrictions
Limited safety data available
CAS
33941-99-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane Smell Like?

2-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane opens with a crisp, dewy freshness reminiscent of crushed green stems and morning fog. The heart reveals a delicate floralcy akin to lily-of-the-valley petals floating in rainwater, supported by a subtle woody-herbal undertone. As it dries, the fragrance settles into a clean, slightly sweet muskiness with the faintest hint of rosewater. The overall effect is transparent and diffusive, like sunlight filtering through spring foliage.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Green Tea(Elizabeth Arden, 1999)

Used here to enhance the crisp green tea accord with its dewy freshness, complementing citrus top notes while adding dimensionality to the floral heart.

L'Eau d'Issey(Issey Miyake, 1992)

Contributes to the watery floralcy of this iconic aquatic fragrance, helping bridge the citrus top to lotus flower heart notes.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

1,3-Dioxolane, 2-methyl-4-phenyl-

SMILES: CC1OCC(O1)C1=CC=CC=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane belongs to the dioxolane class of cyclic acetals, formed through acid-catalyzed reactions between glycols and carbonyl compounds. Its structure features a phenyl group at the 4-position and methyl substitution at the 2-position, creating a chiral center that influences odor characteristics. Industrial synthesis typically involves condensation of benzaldehyde with propylene glycol under acidic conditions.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to middle
Volatility
Medium (1-3 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Fresh floral modifier
Functional Products0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Clean scent booster

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to lift and brighten white floral compositions without adding heaviness.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Florol CAS 1073-67-2

Offers similar green floralcy with better stability in alkaline systems.

2
Phenylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal CAS 101-48-4

Provides comparable floral green notes with stronger hyacinth character.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

Currently under review by RIFM with preliminary data suggesting low sensitization potential.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, 2-methyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane reduces pressure on natural resources. Production typically uses petrochemical feedstocks, though some manufacturers are exploring bio-based routes. The material’s efficiency at low concentrations makes it environmentally favorable compared to some natural alternatives.

Explore 2-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,3-dioxolane

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References

  1. Bauer et al. (2001). Modern Synthetic Methods in Fragrance Chemistry. Chemistry & Biodiversity.

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

Report a data error

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID00865696

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 164.204 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.07 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point 242.093 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 19.182 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 97.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Refractive Index 1.508 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 154.978 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.19 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.303 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.303 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.26 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.016 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.724 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
Viscosity 4.822 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 36.44 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 129.564 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 18.46 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 1 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 46.198 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 18.314 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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