Ethyl (p-tolyloxy)acetate (CAS 67028-40-4) — Green Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Green · Floral

Ethyl (p-tolyloxy)acetate

CAS 67028-40-4

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

What Is Ethyl (p-tolyloxy)acetate?

Ethyl (p-tolyloxy)acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumes and scented products. It contributes a unique aromatic character to formulations. This compound matters because it helps perfumers create distinctive scent profiles that can’t be achieved with natural materials alone.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major safety concerns
Limited safety data available
CAS
67028-40-4
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Ethyl (p-tolyloxy)acetate Smell Like?

Ethyl (p-tolyloxy)acetate presents a crisp, aromatic character with subtle floral undertones. The opening reveals a clean, slightly phenolic sharpness that evolves into a smoother, more rounded middle phase reminiscent of fresh herbs. As it dries down, it leaves a delicate woody-resinous trail with faintly sweet nuances. The overall effect is reminiscent of crushed green stems with a whisper of antique roses.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Technical Amber(Escentric Molecules, 2018)

Used as a modern aromatic modifier to create contrast with the central amber accord, adding structural definition without overpowering the composition.

Synthetic Jungle(Marly, 2021)

Provides a crisp green facet that bridges naturalistic galbanum notes with more abstract synthetic elements in this futuristic chypre.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

(4-Methylphenoxy) acetic acid ethyl ester

SMILES: CCOC(=O)COC1=CC=C(C)C=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Ethyl (p-tolyloxy)acetate belongs to the ester class of compounds, specifically an aromatic ether ester. It is synthesized through esterification reactions between p-cresol derivatives and ethyl glycolate. The compound features both aromatic and aliphatic ester functionalities, giving it unique solubility and volatility properties. The molecular structure allows for good stability in various pH ranges while maintaining its aromatic character.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling PointNot established
DensityApprox. 1.05 g/cm³ (estimated)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used as aromatic modifier
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Provides clean character

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to add crispness to green florals without introducing excessive sharpness.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ethyl phenylacetate CAS 101-97-3

Offers similar aromatic character but with more pronounced honeyed sweetness and less green sharpness.

2
Phenoxyethyl isobutyrate CAS 103-60-6

Provides comparable aromatic effects with better stability in alkaline systems.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

No formal RIFM assessment available as of 2023.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, Ethyl (p-tolyloxy)acetate has minimal environmental impact in production compared to natural extracts. Its synthesis avoids agricultural land use and can be optimized for atom efficiency. The compound’s stability contributes to longer-lasting fragrances, potentially reducing reapplication frequency.

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References

  1. Bauer et al. (2001). Synthetic Fragrance Ingredients. Perfumer & Flavorist.

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 67028-40-4

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight194.23 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)2.6🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point120 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
log Kp (skin permeability)-2.039💻 Calculated
SMILESCCOC(=O)COC1=CC=C(C=C1)C🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteTop💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorscherryfruityhoneynutty• leffingwell
Functional Groupsesteretheraromatic💻 RDKit
Data Sources & Attribution
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: DTXSID8047428

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 194.23 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.067 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 266.082 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 54.205 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 108.939 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.497 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 182.713 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.41 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.41 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.41 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.07 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.004 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.003 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 4.159 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 35.35 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 143.454 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 35.53 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 3 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 4 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 53.43 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 21.181 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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