Eugenyl phenylacetate (CAS 10402-33-2) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Eugenyl phenylacetate
CAS 10402-33-2
What Is Eugenyl phenylacetate?
Eugenyl phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add warm, spicy notes to perfumes and scented products. You’ll encounter it in oriental fragrances, soaps, and candles. This molecule matters because it combines the clove-like character of eugenol with honeyed sweetness, creating complex scent profiles without relying on natural extracts.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Eugenyl phenylacetate Smell Like?
Eugenyl phenylacetate unfolds like a spiced honeycomb wrapped in velvet – initial bursts of clove and cinnamon give way to a heart of caramelized vanilla and beeswax. The dry-down lingers as a soft, powdery sweetness reminiscent of antique rose petals preserved in syrup. Unlike raw eugenol, its phenylacetate ester tames the sharpness into a rounded, almost gourmand character that blends seamlessly with amber and woods.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a bridge between the carnation top notes and vanilla base, adding a narcotic honeyed-spice effect that defines the fragrance’s addictive quality.
Amplifies the oriental theme by reinforcing clove facets while smoothing the transition between citrus and patchouli.
Provides a warm, skin-like sweetness that complements the sandalwood and amber, creating the signature ‘barely there’ sillage.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: COC1=CC(CC=C)=CC=C1OC(=O)CC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Eugenyl phenylacetate is an ester formed by the reaction of eugenol (4-allyl-2-methoxyphenol) with phenylacetic acid. This semi-synthetic modification increases molecular weight and reduces volatility compared to eugenol. The esterification process typically employs acid catalysis or enzymatic methods. The resulting molecule retains the aromatic methoxy and allyl groups while gaining the phenylacetate moiety’s sweet characteristics.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | ~300 °C (estimated) |
| Density | ~1.1 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Used as a spicy modifier |
| Soap | 0.5-1% | Up to 2% | Provides lasting warmth |
| Candles | 2-4% | Up to 8% | Enhances throw of spice accords |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with ionones to create a honeyed tobacco effect without the raisin-like dryness of pure phenylacetates.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For sharper clove character when less sweetness is desired.
Provides honey notes without spice, though more diffusive and less tenacious.
Softer, more powdery variant with reduced clove impact.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted under IFRA standards. Eugenol content is below allergen declaration thresholds.
EU Allergen Declaration
None when pure. May require declaration if containing >0.01% eugenol residue.
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe at current usage levels based on structural analogs.
Sustainability
Synthetic production avoids harvesting clove buds, reducing agricultural pressure. The phenylacetic acid component can be derived from renewable sources via microbial fermentation. Energy-intensive esterification process remains an environmental consideration.
Explore Eugenyl phenylacetate
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 10402-33-2Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 282.3 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.1🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 352 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 168.7 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.511💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)CC=C)OC(=O)CC2=CC=CC=C2🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Base💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 14.3 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | herbalhoneyspicysweetwarm• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | esteretheralkenearomatic💻 RDKit |
| “Mild, but warm and sweet, slightly spicy odor of excellent tenacity. There are honey-”📖 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.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID0047406
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 282.339 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.098 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 373.097 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 65.097 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 166.173 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.559 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 256.184 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.132 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 4.132 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.132 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 9.15 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 18.805 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 39.76 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 142.318 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 | 6 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 82.667 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 32.772 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.
