Dimethyl phthalate (CAS 0131-11-3) — Sweet Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Dimethyl phthalate
CAS 0131-11-3
What Is Dimethyl phthalate?
Dimethyl phthalate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient primarily used as a solvent and fixative in perfumes and cosmetic products. Consumers may encounter it in long-lasting fragrances, hair sprays, and some personal care items. While not a dominant scent itself, it plays a crucial technical role by helping other fragrance notes last longer on the skin. Its ability to slow evaporation makes it valuable for creating perfumes with good longevity.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Dimethyl phthalate Smell Like?
Dimethyl phthalate is nearly odorless when pure, presenting only a faint, slightly sweet chemical character. In formulations, it acts as a quiet workhorse rather than a featured note, subtly rounding out sharper fragrance components. Its primary value lies in its physical properties – it forms an invisible scaffold that extends the life of more volatile top notes while adding minimal olfactory interference. The dry-down is neutral, allowing the true character of the fragrance composition to shine through without distortion.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a fixative to stabilize the vanilla-oriental accord, allowing the complex blend to maintain balance through extended wear.
Historically employed to prolong the legendary aldehydic floral bouquet, though modern formulations have phased it out.
Helped anchor the intense spice and amber notes in this oriental classic before reformulation.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Dimethyl phthalate is an ester formed from phthalic acid and methanol. As the simplest phthalate ester, it belongs to a class of compounds widely used as plasticizers and solvents. Industrially produced via esterification of phthalic anhydride with methanol in the presence of acid catalysts, this colorless liquid exhibits excellent solvency for many organic compounds. Its molecular structure features two ester groups on a benzene ring, creating polarity that contributes to its fixative properties while remaining sufficiently volatile for fragrance applications.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 283-285 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.19 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 146 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.01 mmHg at 25°C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Restricted by IFRA |
| Hair Care | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Mainly in hair sprays |
| Functional Products | 0.01-0.1% | Trace amounts | As solvent/fixative |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use minimal amounts as needed for fixation – start at 0.5% and evaluate longevity.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar fixative properties with slightly lower volatility and reduced regulatory concerns.
Natural alternative with fixative properties and a mild balsamic note.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Restricted under IFRA 49th Amendment (2019) to 0.5% in leave-on products due to sensitization potential.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not classified as EU allergen but subject to REACH restrictions as potential endocrine disruptor.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms sensitization potential at higher concentrations, supporting IFRA restrictions.
Sustainability
As a petrochemical derivative, dimethyl phthalate faces sustainability challenges. The industry is gradually replacing it with bio-based alternatives due to environmental persistence concerns and regulatory pressures. While effective, its use is declining in favor of more eco-friendly fixatives.
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References
- IFRA Standards Library. 49th Amendment. IFRA
- EU REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 ECHA
- Bickers et al. (2003). Safety assessment of dialkyl phthalates. Food Chem Toxicol. PMID 12804650
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 0131-11-3Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 194.18 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.6🔬 PubChem |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.748💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | pear• leffingwell |
| “Very faint, ethereal odor. it hydrolyzes easily, producing a faint odor of Mipax.”📖 Arctander | |
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.
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