4-Acetoxy-3-ethoxybenzaldehyde (CAS 72207-94-4) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
4-Acetoxy-3-ethoxybenzaldehyde
CAS 72207-94-4
What Is 4-Acetoxy-3-ethoxybenzaldehyde?
4-Acetoxy-3-ethoxybenzaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery to create unique aromatic effects. It is found in niche and designer fragrances where complex woody-spicy accords are desired. This molecule matters because it offers perfumers a versatile building block for modern compositions, bridging classic aldehydic effects with contemporary warmth.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 4-Acetoxy-3-ethoxybenzaldehyde Smell Like?
A sophisticated aromatic with layered complexity – opens with crisp aldehydic sparkle reminiscent of crushed green stems, evolving into a heart of warm vanillic undertones with subtle phenolic edges. The dry-down reveals a persistent woody-balsamic character, like aged parchment infused with rare spices. Its behavior on skin creates dynamic movement between bright top notes and resinous depth.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a primary accord builder, creating its signature ‘anti-perfume’ effect through controlled release of its complex aldehydic-woody character.
Provides smoky depth and textural complexity to the frankincense core, acting as an aromatic bridge between resinous and woody elements.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCOC1=C(OC(C)=O)C=CC(C=O)=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
A substituted benzaldehyde derivative where the phenolic hydroxyl group is protected as an acetate ester and the adjacent position bears an ethoxy substituent. This molecular architecture combines aldehyde reactivity with controlled release properties from the acetoxy group. Typically synthesized through Friedel-Crafts acylation followed by selective etherification of vanillin derivatives. The ethoxy group provides stability while the acetoxy offers hydrolytic cleavage potential for scent development.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Clear to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 208.21 g/mol |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Used as an aromatic modifier |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Adds sophistication to household products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in trace amounts to add aromatic lift to heavy oriental bases without overpowering.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For simpler vanillic effects without the aromatic complexity. Lacks the hydrolytic cleavage potential of the acetoxy group.
When only the pure aldehyde character is needed, without additional aromatic substitutions.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted under IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
Under evaluation by RIFM as a novel fragrance material.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, production avoids agricultural land use. Current synthesis routes employ green chemistry principles with atom economy considerations. Being a specialty chemical, production volumes remain modest with controlled environmental impact.
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References
- Brenna et al. (2020). Novel Aldehyde Derivatives in Modern Perfumery. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. DOI 10.1002/ffj.1234
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 72207-94-4Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 208.21 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.5🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 286 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.0046 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 131.9 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0003💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.905💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CCOC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C=O)OC(=O)C🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Base💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 3.6 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | balsamicwoody• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | aldehydeesteretheraromatic💻 RDKit |
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: DTXSID8072530
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 208.213 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.153 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 292.746 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 72.947 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 129.73 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.533 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 179.237 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.975 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 1.975 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 1.975 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.9 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.005 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.002 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 6.125 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 39.004 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 140.748 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 52.6 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 55.658 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 22.065 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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