Benzoic acid, 2-[(2-phenylethylidene)amino]-, methyl ester (CAS 67785-76-6) — Balsamic Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Benzoic acid, 2-_[(2-_phenylethylidene)_amino]_-_, methyl ester
CAS 67785-76-6
What Is Benzoic acid, 2-_[(2-_phenylethylidene)_amino]_-_, methyl ester?
This synthetic fragrance ingredient is a specialized aromatic compound used in fine fragrances and functional products. It’s found in perfumes where its unique chemical structure contributes to complex scent profiles. The molecule’s ability to bridge floral and balsamic notes makes it valuable for creating sophisticated accords that evolve beautifully on skin.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Benzoic acid, 2-_[(2-_phenylethylidene)_amino]_-_, methyl ester Smell Like?
Presents an intriguing duality – opening with a sharp, almost medicinal aromatic punch that quickly mellows into a warm balsamic heart. The dry-down reveals subtle floral undertones wrapped in a soft benzoin-like sweetness, reminiscent of antique furniture polish meeting fresh linen. Acts as a powerful fixative, extending the life of surrounding notes while adding a polished, slightly powdery sophistication.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: COC(=O)C1=C(C=CC=C1)N=CCC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
This aromatic ester belongs to the Schiff base family, characterized by its imine functional group (-C=N-) bridging aromatic systems. Synthesized through condensation reactions between aromatic aldehydes and amines, its planar structure allows for strong π-π interactions with olfactory receptors. The molecule’s rigidity contributes to its persistence in fragrance formulations, while the ester group provides subtle sweetness.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow crystalline solid |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | ~239 g/mol (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Used as fixative and balsamic modifier |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Adds sophistication to air care products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in trace amounts to add depth without overwhelming floral compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar balsamic properties with greater stability and lower sensitization potential for mass-market formulations.
Provides comparable musk-like fixation with a cleaner, more modern olfactory profile.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA standards. Listed on Annex II of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
Under review by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests safe use below 2% in leave-on products.
Sustainability
Synthesized from petrochemical precursors using efficient catalytic processes. While not renewable, its high potency means minimal quantities are required in formulations. No known ecological toxicity concerns at current usage levels.
Explore Benzoic acid, 2-_[(2-_phenylethylidene)_amino]_-_, methyl ester
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References
- IFRA Standards Library (2023). Volume 56. IFRA Standards
- EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex II EU Cosmetics Database
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 67785-76-6Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 253.29 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 345 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 186.2 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.115💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | COC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1N=CCC2=CC=CC=C2🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Base💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 10.5 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Functional Groups | esteretheraromatic💻 RDKit |
| “Some commercial grades have pronounced "Anthranilate"-type odor, harsh-Orangeblossom, depending upon the method by which the ester has been produced.”📖 Arctander | |
Flavor Notes (Arctander)
| “Used in flavor compositions for imitation Grape, Cherry, Honey, Vanilla, etc.”📖 Arctander |
Regulatory Status
| FEMA Number | FEMA 2295⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
| GRAS Status | Generally Recognized as Safe⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
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: DTXSID4070586
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 253.301 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.126 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 372.546 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 98.509 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 183.031 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.546 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 240.788 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.304 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.259 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.304 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 8.41 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 38.448 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 38.66 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 3 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 76.296 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 30.246 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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