Benzyl Acetate (CAS 0140-11-4) — Floral Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Benzyl Acetate
CAS 0140-11-4
What Is Benzyl Acetate?
Benzyl acetate is a common synthetic fragrance ingredient found in perfumes, soaps, and household products. It’s known for its sweet, floral scent reminiscent of jasmine. This versatile compound helps create affordable floral notes in consumer goods while providing good stability in formulations.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFE
What Does Benzyl Acetate Smell Like?
Benzyl acetate bursts with a bright, fruity-floral character – think ripe pears dipped in jasmine nectar. The top note has a sparkling, almost effervescent quality that quickly settles into a creamy floral heart. As it dries down, it reveals subtle hints of banana and vanilla, becoming softer but maintaining excellent tenacity. This versatile material bridges the gap between fresh top notes and rich florals, making it indispensable in white floral compositions.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Provides the sparkling jasmine top note that defines the fragrance’s floral bouquet, blending with aldehydes for effervescence.
Used extensively to boost the jasmine absolute in this floral masterpiece, adding brightness and diffusion.
Creates the delicate floralcy that complements the carnation heart, giving the fragrance its airy quality.
Contributes to the clean, fresh floral character that defines this iconic laundry-inspired fragrance.
Forms part of the youthful floral accord, adding sweetness and approachability to the violet leaf top.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Benzyl acetate is an ester formed by the condensation of benzyl alcohol and acetic acid. It occurs naturally in jasmine, gardenia, and other flowers, but most commercial material is synthesized. Industrial production typically involves esterification of benzyl alcohol with acetic anhydride in the presence of catalysts. The molecule’s simple structure (C9H10O2) features an aromatic benzene ring connected to an acetate group, giving it both floral and fruity characteristics. Its relatively low molecular weight (150.18 g/mol) contributes to good volatility as a top note material.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 206 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.056 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 102 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.1 mmHg at 25°C |
| Refractive Index | 1.523 at 20°C |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water, miscible with alcohol and oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 5-15% | Up to 20% | Core floral component |
| Soaps | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Provides stable floral note |
| Detergents | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Cost-effective floralcy |
| Candles | 3-8% | Up to 10% | Good hot throw |
Classic Accords
+ Linalool + Bergamot = Floral Citrus
+ Vanillin + Coumarin = Sweet Floral
Tip: Use with hedione to extend the floral effect and prevent harsh top notes in jasmine accords.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When a softer, more pear-like floral note is needed with better longevity.
For a more balsamic, tenacious floral note that also functions as a fixative.
When a rosier, honeyed floral character is desired with similar volatility.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA 51st Amendment. Approved for all fragrance applications without limitations.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as an EU allergen. No declaration required under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
GHS Classification
H319 Eye irritation
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels. No significant systemic toxicity concerns.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, benzyl acetate production avoids floral crop pressures. Modern synthesis from petrochemical precursors is energy-efficient with high yields. Some producers offer bio-based versions derived from renewable benzyl alcohol sources. The material’s stability reduces environmental release compared to more volatile alternatives.
Explore Benzyl Acetate
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Industry & Science Data
References
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured Publishing.
- Bickers et al. (2003). Safety assessment of benzyl derivatives. Food and Chemical Toxicology. PMID 12781893
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
