Ethylcellulose (CAS 9004-57-3) — Citrus Functional additive Note Fragrance Ingredient
Ethylcellulose
CAS 9004-57-3
What Is Ethylcellulose?
Ethylcellulose is a synthetic polymer used as a binder in perfumes and cosmetics. It helps control the release of fragrance molecules. People encounter it in long-lasting perfumes and scented candles where slow evaporation is desired. This ingredient matters because it allows perfumers to create fragrances with extended wear time, ensuring the scent remains detectable hours after application.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Ethylcellulose Smell Like?
Ethylcellulose itself is odorless, serving as a functional ingredient rather than a fragrant one. It acts like an invisible scaffold, subtly holding and gradually releasing fragrance molecules over time. In perfumery, it’s the unsung hero that ensures top notes don’t vanish too quickly and base notes emerge gracefully, creating a balanced olfactory experience.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Ethylcellulose helps sustain the iconic floral-aldehyde bouquet, ensuring longevity without altering the scent profile.
Used to modulate the release of vanilla and amber notes, creating the perfume’s legendary trail.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCOCC1C(C(C(C(O1)OC)OCC)OCC)OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)OC)O)O
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Ethylcellulose is an ethyl ether of cellulose, produced by reacting cellulose with ethyl chloride. This semi-synthetic polymer is valued for its film-forming properties and compatibility with both polar and non-polar solvents. Its degree of ethylation determines solubility characteristics, allowing perfumers to fine-tune release rates.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents, insoluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | For extended release |
| Candles | 2-5% | Up to 8% | Controls scent throw |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with plasticizers for optimal film formation in spray applications.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More water-soluble alternative for alcohol-free formulations.
For formulations requiring greater flexibility in the dried film.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA. Approved for all cosmetic applications.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safety for current use levels in fragrances.
Sustainability
As a semi-synthetic derived from plant cellulose, ethylcellulose has a relatively low environmental impact. Production requires careful solvent management. Biodegradability depends on degree of substitution, with lower ethylation being more environmentally favorable.
Explore Ethylcellulose
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
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References
- PubChem: Ethylcellulose CID 24832091
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) assessment CIR Expert Panel
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 9004-57-3Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 454.5 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | -1.5🔬 PubChem |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -6.537💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CCOCC1C(C(C(C(O1)OC)OCC)OCC)OC2C(C(C(C(O2)CO)OC)O)O🔬 PubChem |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | citrusfloral• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | alcoholether💻 RDKit |
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: DTXSID0049608
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 454.5 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| Density | 1.07 g/cm^3🔬 PubChem |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | -1.5 Log10 unitless🔬 PubChem |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 134.53 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 3 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 11 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 12 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 106.42 cm^3/mol💻 Computed |
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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