Anisyl alcohol (o-,m-,p-) (CAS 1331-81-3) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Anisyl alcohol (o-,m-,p-)
CAS 1331-81-3
What Is Anisyl alcohol (o-,m-,p-)?
Anisyl alcohol is a synthetic fragrance compound with a sweet, floral-anisic aroma. It’s commonly found in perfumes, soaps, and cosmetic products where a soft powdery character is desired. This ingredient matters because it adds a delicate, vanilla-like nuance to floral compositions while being more stable than some natural alternatives.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Anisyl alcohol (o-,m-,p-) Smell Like?
Anisyl alcohol unfolds with an initial sweet-powdery burst reminiscent of marshmallow and vanilla pods. The heart reveals a delicate floral character akin to lilac and heliotrope, with a subtle anisic undertone that never dominates. As it dries down, it leaves a soft musky-powdery trail that blends seamlessly with other florals. The overall effect is like catching whiffs of a vintage face powder infused with almond blossoms.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to soften the citrus-vanilla transition, adding powdery depth that bridges the bergamot top with the balsamic base.
Contributes to the twilight floral effect, enhancing the heliotrope and violet notes with its sweet-powdery character.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Anisyl alcohol refers to three isomeric methoxybenzyl alcohols (ortho-, meta-, and para-). The para-isomer is most commonly used in perfumery. Synthesized via reduction of anisaldehyde or methylation of hydroxybenzyl alcohol, it belongs to the aromatic alcohol class. The methoxy group’s position significantly impacts odor profile – the para-isomer being most floral, while meta- has sharper anisic qualities.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 259 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.11 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Powdery floral modifier |
| Soap | 0.5-1% | Up to 2% | Stable in alkaline systems |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to round out sharp floral notes and add diffusion to powdery accords.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For stronger powdery-cherry effects, though less sweet and more almond-like in character.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions (as of Amendment 51).
RIFM Assessment
Evaluated as safe for current use levels in fragrance applications.
Sustainability
Synthetic production avoids agricultural impacts. Typically manufactured from petrochemical precursors, though some green chemistry routes exist using guaiacol from lignin. Energy-intensive purification steps are the main environmental concern.
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References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 1331-81-3Regulatory Status
| IFRA Listed | Yes — see IFRA Standards for category limits⚖️ IFRA 51 |
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.
