5-Butyl-4-methyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (CAS 39212-23-2) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Sweet · Woody

5-Butyl-4-methyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

CAS 39212-23-2

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 5-Butyl-4-methyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one?

5-Butyl-4-methyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one is a synthetic fragrance compound used to create creamy, lactonic notes in perfumes. You’ll encounter it in body creams, fine fragrances, and home scents. This molecule matters because it adds a smooth, milky character that balances sharper top notes and enhances floral compositions.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Approved for cosmetic use
Limited toxicology data available
CAS
39212-23-2
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Woody
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 5-Butyl-4-methyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one Smell Like?

This lactone delivers a rich, buttery creaminess reminiscent of warm milk with a subtle coconut undertone. Initially presents a slightly sharp dairy note that quickly rounds into a velvety, skin-like warmth. As it dries down, reveals a faintly woody-musky character that adds sophistication to its creamy profile. Exceptionally tenacious for a lactonic note, persisting through the heart phase.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Santal 33(Le Labo, 2011)

Used as a creamy counterpoint to the sandalwood base, smoothing the rough edges of the woody notes while adding a subtle milky texture that enhances the skin-scent effect.

Baccarat Rouge 540(Maison Francis Kurkdjian, 2015)

Provides an invisible lactonic foundation that amplifies the cotton candy sweetness while preventing the composition from becoming cloying.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Whiskey lactone

SMILES: CCCCC1OC(=O)CC1C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

A γ-lactone with a butyl side chain at the 5-position and methyl group at the 4-position. Synthetic production typically involves cyclization of γ-hydroxy acids or oxidation of furans. The stereochemistry at the 4-position significantly impacts odor characteristics, with the (R)-enantiomer being more potent. Classified as an aliphatic lactone, sharing structural similarities with γ-nonalactone but with greater tenacity.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor Threshold0.05 ppm (estimated)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 3%Lactonic modifier
Body Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Creamy enhancer

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly with aldehydes to create sophisticated cream-soda effects.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
γ-Decalactone CAS 706-14-9

For stronger peach character while maintaining lactonic creaminess. Higher volatility but more cost-effective.

Layer 3

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 for comprehensive safety assessment.

Sustainability

Synthetic production avoids agricultural land use. Manufacturing typically involves petrochemical feedstocks, though bio-based routes are being explored. No known ecological toxicity concerns at usage levels.

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References

  1. Bauer et al. (2001). Modern Lactone Chemistry. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. DOI:10.1021/jf0105328

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 39212-23-2

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight156.22 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)2.5🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point208 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.1585 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point95.6 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Involatility Index0.0137💻 Calculated
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.878💻 Calculated
SMILESCCCCC1C(CC(=O)O1)C🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassSlow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score1.3 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorscoconutcoumarinicwoody• leffingwell
Functional Groupsesterether💻 RDKit

Sensory Thresholds

Odor Detection Threshold1.2323 ppm (n=19)📖 van Gemert
Data Sources & Attribution
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: DTXSID90865948

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 156.225 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.963 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 237.414 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point -8.635 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 101.645 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.434 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 166.834 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.316 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.316 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.316 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.27 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.015 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.066 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 2.299 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 27.581 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 26.3 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 3 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 43.483 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 17.238 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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