Methyl 2-(nonylideneamino)benzoate (CAS 72894-12-3) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Methyl 2-(nonylideneamino)benzoate

CAS 72894-12-3

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle to base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Methyl 2-(nonylideneamino)benzoate?

Methyl 2-(nonylideneamino)benzoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery to add unique olfactory characteristics. It’s found in niche fragrances and some specialty personal care products. This molecule is valued for its ability to contribute complex, long-lasting notes that evolve beautifully on skin, making it a favorite among perfumers crafting sophisticated accords.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Approved for fragrance use
Limited safety data available
CAS
72894-12-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Methyl 2-(nonylideneamino)benzoate Smell Like?

Methyl 2-(nonylideneamino)benzoate opens with a sharp, almost metallic greenness that quickly unfolds into a warm, ambery character. As it dries down, it reveals a leathery depth with hints of dried tobacco and a subtle animalic undertone. The evolution is slow and deliberate, ending in a powdery-woody base that lingers close to the skin.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Unknown Pleasures(Kerosene, 2015)

Used to create an unconventional gourmand effect, pairing with honey and lemon to form a scent that’s both edible and mysterious.

Synthetic Jungle(Frederic Malle, 2021)

Employed as a modern green note that bridges classic galbanum with futuristic metallic accents in this avant-garde composition.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Benzoic acid, 2-(nonylideneamino)-, methyl ester

SMILES: CCCCCCCCC=NC1=C(C=CC=C1)C(=O)OC

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Methyl 2-(nonylideneamino)benzoate belongs to the Schiff base class of compounds, formed through condensation reactions between aldehydes and amines. The nonylidene side chain provides hydrophobicity while the methyl benzoate moiety contributes aromatic character. This synthetic molecule is typically produced under controlled conditions to ensure purity and consistent olfactory performance.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol, insoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good with woody and amber materials
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used as a modifier and fixative
Personal Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Limited use in leave-on products

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to add complexity without dominating the composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Methyl dihydrojasmonate CAS 24851-98-7

For similar diffusive power with more floral character.

2
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

When seeking longer-lasting amber effects without the green facets.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. No specific usage limits established.

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests low sensitization potential.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, production is controlled with minimal environmental impact. No natural resources are depleted in its manufacture, and the synthesis can be optimized for atom economy.

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References

  1. IFRA Standards Library (2023). Restricted Materials List. IFRA Standards

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 72894-12-3

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight275.4 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)5🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point307 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point152.4 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
log Kp (skin permeability)-0.83💻 Calculated
SMILESCCCCCCCCC=NC1=CC=CC=C1C(=O)OC🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteBase💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score13.6 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsbalsamicwoody• leffingwell
Functional Groupsesteretheraromatic💻 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: DTXSID1072630

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 275.392 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.045 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 353.622 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 40.949 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 165.196 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.497 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 284.533 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 5.257 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 5.054 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 5.252 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 7.88 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
Surface Tension 33.686 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 38.66 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 3 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 9 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 83.27 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 33.011 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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