Acetanisole (CAS 0100-06-01) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Sweet · Floral

Acetanisole

CAS 0100-06-01

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Acetanisole?

Acetanisole is a synthetic aromatic compound used in perfumery to create warm, powdery, and slightly sweet notes. It’s often found in floral and oriental fragrances. This ingredient matters because it adds a soft, comforting dimension to scents, helping bridge brighter top notes with deeper base notes.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ No major safety concerns
⚠ Avoid high concentrations
CAS
0100-06-01
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Acetanisole Smell Like?

Acetanisole presents a delicate balance of powdery sweetness with subtle floral undertones. Imagine the softness of heliotrope petals dusted with vanilla sugar, evolving into a warm, slightly musky dry-down. Its character is reminiscent of vintage face powder but with modern clarity, never cloying. The scent profile maintains remarkable stability, making it invaluable for anchoring more volatile components.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Acetanisole is an aromatic ether derived from anisole through acetylation. As a synthetic molecule, it’s typically produced via Friedel-Crafts acylation reactions. The compound’s stability comes from its methoxy and acetyl functional groups, which resist oxidation while maintaining good volatility. Its molecular simplicity allows for consistent batch-to-batch reproduction in industrial settings.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Powdery modifier
Soaps0.5-1%Up to 2%Stability enhancer

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a bridge between citrus top notes and amber base notes for seamless transitions.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Heliotropin CAS 120-57-0

For stronger powdery floral effects with cherry-like nuances.

2
Benzyl acetate CAS 140-11-4

When brighter floral-jasmine character is needed alongside powderiness.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not restricted under current IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

No significant safety concerns identified in RIFM assessments.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, acetanisole has minimal environmental impact in production. Its efficient synthesis from petrochemical precursors results in high atom economy. Being produced in controlled industrial settings eliminates concerns about natural resource depletion or habitat destruction associated with some botanical ingredients.

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References

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

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