3-(Methylthio)propanol (CAS 0505-10-2) — Balsamic Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
3-(Methylthio)propanol
CAS 0505-10-2
What Is 3-(Methylthio)propanol?
3-(Methylthio)propanol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a savory, meaty nuance to perfumes and flavored foods. You’ll encounter it in gourmand fragrances and savory flavorings. This molecule matters because it bridges the gap between sweet and savory in perfumery, creating intriguing umami-like effects that make compositions more complex and mouthwatering.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 3-(Methylthio)propanol Smell Like?
3-(Methylthio)propanol bursts with an intense, savory-sulfurous aroma reminiscent of cooked meat or roasted onions. The initial pungency evolves into a brothy, umami-rich heart with hints of baked potato skins and black truffle. As it dries down, it leaves a lingering meaty-sweet character that blends surprisingly well with fruity and woody notes. The transformation from aggressive to gourmand makes it a fascinating perfumery material.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to create a smoky, leathery depth that contrasts with the rose and oud, adding a visceral animalic edge to this opulent composition.
Contributes to the dark, resinous cannabis accord, enhancing the narcotic, slightly dangerous vibe of this cult fragrance.
Provides subtle savory undertones that amplify the candied amber effect, making the sweetness more complex and addictive.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3-(Methylthio)propanol is a sulfur-containing alcohol with the chemical formula C4H10OS. It’s produced industrially through the reaction of allyl alcohol with hydrogen sulfide followed by methylation. The sulfur atom contributes to its powerful odor characteristics, with detection thresholds in the parts-per-billion range. While not found extensively in nature, related thiols occur in cooked meats and some vegetables.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 195-197 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.03 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Powerful modifier |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.3% | Savory accent |
Classic Accords
Tip: Always pre-dilute to 1% or lower before incorporating into blends due to overwhelming potency.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a more potato-like, earthy sulfuraceous character at even lower detection thresholds.
When a more roasted meat character is desired, though even more potent.
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 for sulfur compounds.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated this material and found it safe at current usage levels in fragrance applications.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 3-(Methylthio)propanol has minimal environmental impact from sourcing. Production requires controlled chemical synthesis with proper waste management for sulfur-containing byproducts.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420090772
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 0505-10-2Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 106.19 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 0.5🔬 PubChem |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.993💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | sweet• leffingwell |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 0.7381 ppm (n=11)📖 van Gemert |
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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