Dimethyl succinate (CAS 106-65-0) — Sweet Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Dimethyl succinate
CAS 106-65-0
What Is Dimethyl succinate?
Dimethyl succinate is a synthetic ester used in perfumery for its fresh, fruity aroma. It’s found in body sprays, fabric softeners, and some fruity-floral fragrances. This ingredient matters because it provides cost-effective fruity notes without using citrus oils, which can degrade quickly. It’s particularly useful in mass-market products where stability and affordability are key.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Dimethyl succinate Smell Like?
Dimethyl succinate offers a crisp, apple-like freshness with subtle green undertones. The scent evolves from an initial burst of unripe pear into a softer, melon-like heart. Dry-down reveals a faintly sweet, almost candied quality reminiscent of watermelon rind. Unlike citrus notes, it maintains linearity without sharp acidic edges, making it ideal for functional fragrances requiring longevity.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to enhance the solar floral accord, providing a dewy melon effect that lasts through the fragrance’s evolution.
Forms the synthetic watermelon core, paired with calone for aquatic freshness.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: COC(=O)CCC(=O)OC
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Dimethyl succinate is a diester formed from succinic acid and methanol. Industrially produced via esterification under acidic conditions, it’s part of the larger family of fruit ester compounds. While not chiral itself, it’s often used alongside optically active esters to create complex fruity accords. Its stability comes from the saturated carbon chain, resisting oxidation better than terpene-based fruit notes.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 196-198 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.12 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional Fragrances | 5-12% | Up to 20% | Provides stable fruity notes |
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Used as fruity modifier |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with ionones to create more sophisticated fruity-floral effects.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When a more caramelized fruit effect is desired, though less fresh.
For stronger tropical fruit character with better diffusion.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has assessed dimethyl succinate as safe for current fragrance use levels.
Sustainability
As a petrochemical derivative, dimethyl succinate’s environmental impact comes from its synthetic production. However, it’s increasingly being produced via green chemistry routes using bio-based succinic acid. Its stability reduces need for reapplication compared to natural fruit extracts.
Explore Dimethyl succinate
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary for Dimethyl succinate CID 106-65-0
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID5025152
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 146.142 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.116 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 196.668 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 19.311 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 80.943 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.411 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 134.54 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 0.332 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 0.391 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 0.391 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 3.87 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.394 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole🔬 EPA CTX |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.297 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 1.162 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 32.695 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 144.173 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 52.6 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 3 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 33.396 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 13.239 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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