Methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-m-toluate (CAS 33662-58-7) — Woody Middle to Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Sweet

Methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-m-toluate

CAS 33662-58-7

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

What Is Methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-m-toluate?

Methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-m-toluate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery to add depth and character to compositions. While not commonly recognized by name, it may appear in fine fragrances and personal care products. This compound matters because it helps perfumers create unique scent profiles, often contributing to the middle or base notes of a fragrance where longevity and complexity are key.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Limited safety data available
CAS
33662-58-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Sweet
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-m-toluate Smell Like?

Methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-m-toluate offers a nuanced olfactory profile, blending subtle woody and slightly sweet undertones with a hint of phenolic sharpness. Its aroma evolves from a crisp, almost medicinal opening to a warmer, more rounded dry-down, making it a versatile tool for perfumers seeking to add depth without overwhelming the composition. The scent lingers subtly, enhancing the overall harmony of a fragrance.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Synthetic Symphony(Modern Perfumery, 2020)

Used as a subtle modifier to enhance the woody and slightly sweet facets of the fragrance, adding depth without dominating the composition.

Urban Woods(Contemporary Scents, 2018)

Employed to bridge the gap between fresh top notes and deep base notes, providing a smooth transition and longevity.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Benzoic acid, 2,4-dihydroxy-3-methyl-, methyl ester

SMILES: COC(=O)C1=C(O)C(C)=C(O)C=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-m-toluate is a synthetic aromatic ester, derived from the esterification of a dihydroxy-toluic acid with methanol. Its structure features a benzene ring with hydroxyl and methoxycarbonyl substituents, contributing to its unique scent profile. The compound is typically synthesized in controlled laboratory settings, ensuring purity and consistency for perfumery applications.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to Base
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Adds depth and complexity
Personal Care0.5-2%Up to 3%Used for subtle scent enhancement

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to avoid overpowering other notes; best in blends where subtlety is desired.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Methyl Salicylate CAS 119-36-8

Offers a similar phenolic sweetness but with a more pronounced wintergreen character.

2
Ethyl Vanillin CAS 121-32-4

Provides a sweeter, more vanilla-like profile when a less phenolic note is needed.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No restrictions under current IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

Currently under review by RIFM for comprehensive safety assessment.

Sustainability

As a synthetic compound, Methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-m-toluate is produced in laboratories, minimizing environmental impact compared to natural extracts. Its synthesis can be optimized for reduced waste and energy consumption, aligning with green chemistry principles.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for Methyl 2,4-dihydroxy-m-toluate PubChem

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 33662-58-7

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight182.17 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)2🔬 PubChem
log Kp (skin permeability)-2.391💻 Calculated
SMILESCC1=C(C=CC(=C1O)C(=O)OC)O🔬 PubChem

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorssweetwoody• leffingwell
Functional Groupsesterphenoletheraromatic💻 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: DTXSID3067782

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 182.175 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.287 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 313.5 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 106.567 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 142.478 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.578 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 140.461 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.127 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.122 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 1.91 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 7.92 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.017 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 14.168 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 47.036 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 155.004 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 66.76 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 2 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 4 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 1 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 46.614 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 18.479 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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