Farnesyl acetate (CAS 29548-30-9) — Green Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Farnesyl acetate
CAS 29548-30-9
What Is Farnesyl acetate?
Farnesyl acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery to add fresh, green, and slightly floral nuances. It’s found in fine fragrances, especially those aiming for a natural, botanical character. This molecule matters because it helps recreate the fresh-cut stems and dewy greens found in nature, bridging floral and woody accords in modern perfumes.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Farnesyl acetate Smell Like?
Farnesyl acetate opens with a crisp, green snap reminiscent of freshly broken plant stems, transitioning to a delicate floralcy akin to lily-of-the-valley petals. The dry-down reveals a subtle woody undertone with whispers of citrus peel. Unlike sharper green notes, it maintains a rounded softness throughout its evolution, behaving like sunlight filtering through spring foliage – bright yet diffused. Its tenacity is moderate, blending seamlessly without dominating compositions.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(C)=CCCC(C)=CCCC(C)=CCOC(C)=O
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Farnesyl acetate is a sesquiterpene ester derived from farnesol through acetylation. As a synthetic molecule, it’s typically produced via esterification of farnesol with acetic anhydride under controlled conditions. Its structure features three isoprene units, giving it characteristic volatility and odor properties. The acetate group increases stability compared to its alcohol counterpart while maintaining the green-floral character. Commercial production often yields a mixture of isomers due to the multiple double bond configurations in the farnesyl backbone.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Green-floral modifier |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-1% | Up to 3% | Freshness booster |
| Cosmetics | 0.2-1.5% | Up to 2% | Natural green effects |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to soften harsh green notes while maintaining vibrancy in floral compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More floral but less stable alcohol form of the same molecule. Use when a stronger floral character is desired.
Shorter-chain green ester with sharper leaf character for brighter green effects.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No current IFRA restrictions. Listed as safe for use under general guidelines.
RIFM Assessment
Not currently evaluated by RIFM due to limited commercial use volume.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, farnesyl acetate production avoids agricultural impacts but depends on petrochemical feedstocks. Its efficient synthesis and low usage levels make it relatively sustainable compared to natural alternatives requiring large-scale cultivation. Future green chemistry approaches could improve its environmental profile.
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Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID2047222
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 264.409 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.888 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 295.782 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 11.238 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 121.593 °C📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.969 dimensionless💻 Computed |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.001 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 4.473 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 25.392 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 140.06 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 26.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 8 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 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.
