Methyl 2-nonynoate (CAS 111-80-8) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Methyl 2-nonynoate
CAS 111-80-8
What Is Methyl 2-nonynoate?
Methyl 2-nonynoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to create fresh, green, and violet-like scents. You’ll encounter it in modern perfumes, especially those aiming for crisp, natural effects. This molecule matters because it can mimic expensive natural violet leaf absolute at a fraction of the cost, making floral fragrances more accessible while maintaining complexity.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Methyl 2-nonynoate Smell Like?
Methyl 2-nonynoate bursts with a sharp, green violet leaf character – imagine crushing fresh violet leaves between your fingers with a metallic edge. The opening has a cucumber-like freshness that evolves into a floral heart reminiscent of ionones. As it dries down, a subtle fatty undertone emerges, like the waxy texture of flower stems. The overall effect is intensely diffusive – a single drop can transform a fragrance composition with its piercing green-floral signature.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to amplify the natural violet leaf effect, creating that signature crisp green opening that defines this classic fougère.
Provides the photorealistic wet concrete and violet leaf accord that makes this fragrance so uniquely evocative of spring rain.
Works alongside fig leaf notes to create a dewy green freshness that contrasts beautifully with the fruity apricot heart.
Forms the backbone of the violet accord, giving it both green freshness and floral depth without becoming powdery.
Contributes to the watery-green effect that captures the feeling of vegetation after rainfall in this Jean-Claude Ellena creation.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCC#CC(=O)OC
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Methyl 2-nonynoate belongs to the ester class, specifically an acetylenic ester. While not found in nature, it mimics compounds found in violet leaf absolute. Industrially synthesized through esterification of 2-nonynoic acid with methanol, often using acid catalysis. The triple bond in the 2-position creates significant electron density that contributes to its intense odor characteristics. Unlike many floral molecules, it lacks chirality due to its linear structure, though slight impurities can affect odor quality in commercial samples.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | ~220 °C (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Density | ~0.91 g/cm³ (estimated) |
| Vapor Pressure | Low (estimated) |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol and oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used sparingly due to potency |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.3% | For green floral effects in soaps/detergents |
| Cosmetics | 0.05-0.2% | Up to 0.5% | In violet-themed products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use at 0.1% or lower initially – this material has extreme tenacity and can overwhelm compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar green-violet effect but less harsh, better for delicate floral compositions requiring smoother transitions.
Natural alternative with more complexity but much higher cost and limited availability.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific restrictions under current IFRA standards (as of 49th Amendment).
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as an EU allergen.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation complete – safe for use at current industry levels with proper precautions.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, methyl 2-nonynoate has minimal environmental impact in production compared to natural violet leaf alternatives. The synthesis route avoids agricultural land use and seasonal availability issues. However, like all petrochemical-derived ingredients, it relies on fossil fuel feedstocks.
Explore Methyl 2-nonynoate
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References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID3047639
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 168.236 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.916 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 229.675 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 38 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 102.8 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.447 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 180.39 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.4 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.209 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.209 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 4.31 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.056 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 1.487 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 31.614 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 139.925 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 | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 48.158 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 19.091 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.
