4-Phenyl-3-buten-2-ol (CAS 17488-65-2) — Floral Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
4-Phenyl-3-buten-2-ol
CAS 17488-65-2
What Is 4-Phenyl-3-buten-2-ol?
4-Phenyl-3-buten-2-ol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumes and scented products. It contributes a unique aromatic character that enhances floral and woody compositions. This molecule matters because it offers perfumers a versatile building block for creating modern, long-lasting fragrances with distinctive olfactory profiles.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 4-Phenyl-3-buten-2-ol Smell Like?
4-Phenyl-3-buten-2-ol presents a complex aromatic profile that evolves beautifully on skin. The initial impression is a bright, slightly green floral note with subtle fruity undertones reminiscent of ripe pears. As it develops, a warm, honeyed character emerges, blending with delicate woody nuances. The dry-down reveals a soft, powdery muskiness that lingers close to the skin, creating an intimate sillage. This versatile material bridges floral and woody accords with exceptional tenacity.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a floral-woody bridge note to enhance the jasmine heart while providing warmth and diffusion to the modern musk base.
Adds subtle fruity-floral nuances to the quince top note while supporting the lasting power of the white musk accord.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(O)C=CC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
4-Phenyl-3-buten-2-ol belongs to the class of aromatic unsaturated alcohols. While not found in nature, it’s synthesized through aldol condensation reactions between benzaldehyde and acetone, followed by selective reduction. The molecule features a conjugated system between the phenyl ring and double bond, contributing to its stability and distinctive olfactory properties. The hydroxyl group at position 2 allows for hydrogen bonding, influencing both its volatility and blending characteristics in fragrance compositions.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | Not well documented |
| Density | Approx. 1.0 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Adds floral-woody complexity |
| Personal Care | 0.5-1% | Up to 2% | Provides subtle floral enhancement |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in trace amounts to add diffusion to floral compositions without overpowering delicate notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a more straightforward floral character with less woody undertones, though lacks the complexity of 4-Phenyl-3-buten-2-ol.
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
No specific RIFM assessment found for this material.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 4-Phenyl-3-buten-2-ol offers consistent quality without natural sourcing constraints. Its production requires standard petrochemical feedstocks, but at typical usage levels, its environmental impact is minimal compared to some natural alternatives that may require extensive cultivation or extraction processes.
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References
- Bauer, K. et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID90864779
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 148.205 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.009 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 254.537 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 47.422 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 121.358 °C📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.081 dimensionless💻 Computed |
| Water Solubility | 0.008 mol/L📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.006 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 6.406 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 35.847 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 20.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
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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