3-Butylidenephthalide (CAS 0551-08-06) — Green Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
3-Butylidenephthalide
CAS 0551-08-06
What Is 3-Butylidenephthalide?
3-Butylidenephthalide is a synthetic fragrance compound used in perfumery to create unique aromatic profiles. It’s not commonly encountered in everyday products but may appear in niche fragrances. This ingredient matters because it offers perfumers a distinctive tool for crafting complex, unconventional scent compositions that stand out in the market.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 3-Butylidenephthalide Smell Like?
3-Butylidenephthalide presents a sharp, herbaceous character with a celery-like rootiness that evolves into a warm, slightly spicy heart. The dry-down reveals a subtle woody undertone with a lingering earthy persistence. Its odor profile is reminiscent of crushed green stems with a faint metallic edge, making it useful for creating vegetal accents in avant-garde compositions.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a green-modifier to enhance the hyper-realistic foliage effect, contributing a crisp, stem-like quality to the galbanum and oakmoss base.
Provides a modern vegetal twist to this classic green floral, amplifying the tomato leaf accord with its distinctive celery-like character.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3-Butylidenephthalide belongs to the phthalide class of compounds, structurally related to lactones. While found in trace amounts in some natural sources like celery, commercial production is typically synthetic. The molecule features a butylidene side chain attached to a phthalide core, creating its distinctive odor characteristics. Synthesis often involves condensation reactions of appropriate phthalic acid derivatives with butyraldehyde precursors.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Odor Threshold | Very low (high potency) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used as an accent note |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.01-0.1% | Trace amounts | For green nuances |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly in green compositions to add dimension without overwhelming the blend.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar celery-like characteristics but with greater diffusion and a smoother profile.
Provides herbaceous-tonka nuances when a sweeter green character is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific IFRA restrictions. General usage guidelines apply due to limited safety data.
RIFM Assessment
Not currently evaluated by RIFM. Use with caution pending further safety assessment.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 3-Butylidenephthalide has minimal environmental impact in production compared to natural extracts. Its high potency means small quantities are effective, reducing overall material usage. The synthetic route avoids agricultural land use and seasonal variability associated with natural sources.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured Publishing.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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