Isoamyl phenylacetate (CAS 102-19-2) — Sweet Top-Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Isoamyl phenylacetate
CAS 102-19-2
What Is Isoamyl phenylacetate?
Isoamyl phenylacetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that creates sweet, fruity aromas reminiscent of bananas and honey. You’ll encounter it in fruity-floral perfumes, flavored foods, and some household products. This versatile molecule matters because it adds a natural-seeming fruitiness without relying on actual fruit extracts, making fragrances more stable and consistent.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Isoamyl phenylacetate Smell Like?
Isoamyl phenylacetate bursts open with an intensely sweet banana-like top note, layered with hints of overripe pear and honeycomb. As it evolves, the fruity character softens into a floral heart reminiscent of jasmine absolute, with a subtle phenolic edge that adds complexity. The dry-down reveals a warm, slightly powdery base with vanillic undertones that linger close to the skin. When overdosed, it can develop a cloying candy-like quality, but in balanced compositions it provides a naturalistic tropical fruit effect that blends seamlessly with florals.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to amplify the natural fruitiness of pear and melon notes while adding honeyed depth to the floral bouquet. The banana-like aspect blends seamlessly with the jasmine and orchid heart.
Provides the candied fruit facet that makes this gourmand-floral hybrid so addictive. Works in concert with ethyl maltol to create the signature ‘fruit candy’ effect before transitioning into the vanilla base.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(C)CCOC(=O)CC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Isoamyl phenylacetate is an ester formed by the condensation of phenylacetic acid with isoamyl alcohol. As a synthetic material, it’s typically produced through acid-catalyzed esterification under controlled conditions. The molecule lacks chiral centers, ensuring consistent olfactory properties across batches. Its relatively simple structure (C13H18O2) gives it excellent stability while allowing for sufficient volatility to function as a top-to-middle note.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | ~265°C |
|---|---|
| Density | ~0.98 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | >100°C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Fruity modifier |
| Flavors | 10-50 ppm | Up to 100 ppm | Banana/candy notes |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to bridge between citrus top notes and floral hearts in fruity-floral compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a cleaner, greener banana note without the honeyed depth. More volatile and less tenacious.
When a more floral-fruity (pear/jasmine) character is desired instead of the banana-honey effect.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions currently apply to isoamyl phenylacetate.
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for current usage levels based on RIFM evaluations.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, isoamyl phenylacetate has minimal environmental impact during production compared to natural extracts. Its efficient synthesis from petrochemical precursors results in consistent quality without agricultural variability. The material’s stability reduces waste in finished products.
Explore Isoamyl 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
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID2044501
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 206.285 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.977 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 267.167 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 11.947 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 106.021 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.494 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 208.643 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.975 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.581 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.581 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.72 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.016 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 7.111 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 33.705 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 135.647 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 | 5 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 60.7 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 24.063 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.
