Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-methylbutyl ester (CAS 51115-63-0) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Sweet · Floral

Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-methylbutyl ester

CAS 51115-63-0

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

What Is Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-methylbutyl ester?

Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-methylbutyl ester is a synthetic aroma chemical used in perfumery for its fruity and floral characteristics. It’s found in some niche fragrances and specialty cosmetic products. This ester is valued for its ability to add longevity and subtle sweetness to fragrance compositions, making it useful in both fine fragrances and functional products like soaps and detergents.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for individual sensitivities
CAS
51115-63-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-methylbutyl ester Smell Like?

This ester presents a delicate balance between fruity and floral notes, reminiscent of ripe strawberries with a hint of jasmine. The top note is slightly sharp with a citrusy edge, which quickly mellows into a sweet, berry-like heart. The dry-down reveals a soft, powdery character that blends seamlessly with other floral and woody notes, adding persistence without overpowering.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2-Methylbutyl salicylate

SMILES: CCC(C)COC(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Benzoic acid, 2-hydroxy-, 2-methylbutyl ester is a synthetic ester derived from salicylic acid and 2-methylbutanol. Its molecular structure features an aromatic ring with a hydroxyl group and an ester linkage, contributing to its fruity-floral odor profile. The compound is typically synthesized via esterification reactions under controlled conditions to ensure purity and consistent olfactory properties.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointN/A
DensityN/A

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Adds fruity-floral nuances
Functional Products0.5-1%Up to 2%Enhances longevity

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to avoid overpowering other notes in the composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ethyl salicylate CAS 118-61-6

Similar floral-fruity profile but with a sharper, more medicinal edge. Useful when a brighter top note is needed.

2
Isoamyl salicylate CAS 87-20-7

Offers a smoother, more balsamic character with excellent blending properties for floral bases.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA.

RIFM Assessment

No specific RIFM assessment found for this compound.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, its production involves controlled chemical processes with minimal environmental impact when properly managed. The ester’s stability contributes to fragrance longevity, potentially reducing the need for reapplication and overall product consumption.

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References

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

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID3052145

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 208.257 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 1.084 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 278.788 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 33.601 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 113.834 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.52 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 192.16 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.571 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 3.57 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 3.511 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 8.62 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.001 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 20.28 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 38.561 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 140.691 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 46.53 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 1 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 3 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 4 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 58.398 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 23.151 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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