Methyl linoleate (48%) methyl linolenate (52%) mixture (CAS 301-00-8) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Methyl linoleate (48%) methyl linolenate (52%) mixture

CAS 301-00-8

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

What Is Methyl linoleate (48%) methyl linolenate (52%) mixture?

This ingredient is a synthetic mixture primarily used as a fragrance fixative and blending agent in perfumery. Consumers might encounter it in the base notes of woody or oriental fragrances where it helps stabilize more volatile components. While not a star ingredient, it plays a crucial supporting role by subtly enhancing longevity and smoothing transitions between notes.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major safety concerns
Avoid undiluted skin contact
CAS
301-00-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Methyl linoleate (48%) methyl linolenate (52%) mixture Smell Like?

The mixture presents a faint, dry woody character with subtle fatty undertones reminiscent of linseed oil. Initially neutral, it develops a soft, paper-like aroma that serves as an excellent carrier for other materials. Its odor profile is intentionally mild, functioning more as a structural element than a distinctive scent. Over time, it contributes a barely perceptible waxy-green nuance that helps bridge floral and woody accords.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Methyl linolenate

SMILES: CC\C=C/C\C=C/C\C=C/CCCCCCCC(=O)OC

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This synthetic mixture combines methyl esters of linoleic and linolenic acids, derived through esterification of fatty acids from vegetable sources. The 48:52 ratio is carefully controlled to achieve optimal performance characteristics. These unsaturated fatty acid esters undergo transesterification reactions during production. Their molecular structures feature long carbon chains with multiple double bonds that influence both physical properties and odor characteristics.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (hours-days)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Fixative base component
Functional Fragrance1-3%Up to 8%Blending agent

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a neutral carrier for polar materials that need extended diffusion.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Methyl palmitate CAS 112-39-0

More saturated ester alternative when greater stability is required.

2
Ethyl linoleate CAS 544-35-4

Ethyl ester variant with slightly different volatility profile.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions apply to this material.

RIFM Assessment

Not currently assessed by RIFM.

Sustainability

Synthesized from renewable vegetable sources, this material represents a sustainable alternative to animal-derived fixatives. Production involves minimal waste streams and can utilize byproducts from food industry processes. The synthetic route ensures consistent quality without seasonal variations.

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References

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

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID5041560

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 292.463 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.895 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
    Boiling Point 353.575 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point -29.595 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 113.05 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Refractive Index 1.476 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 326.49 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 6.29 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX
    LogD (pH 5.5) 6.41 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 6.41 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 8.64 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole🔬 EPA CTX

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
    Viscosity 4.359 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 28.812 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 150.417 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 13 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 92.021 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 36.48 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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