N,2-Dimethyl-N-phenylbutyramide (CAS 84434-18-4) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Musky

N,2-Dimethyl-N-phenylbutyramide

CAS 84434-18-4

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

What Is N,2-Dimethyl-N-phenylbutyramide?

N,2-Dimethyl-N-phenylbutyramide is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in modern perfumery to create unique olfactory effects. You’ll find it in niche fragrances and specialty scented products. This molecule matters because it allows perfumers to craft novel scent profiles that can’t be achieved with natural materials alone, offering innovative directions in contemporary fragrance design.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Used in professional formulations
Limited safety data available
CAS
84434-18-4
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Musky
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does N,2-Dimethyl-N-phenylbutyramide Smell Like?

N,2-Dimethyl-N-phenylbutyramide presents a complex aromatic profile with a sharp, almost metallic opening that quickly evolves into a warm ambery core. The initial impression is reminiscent of hot electrical components or sun-warmed plastic, which mellows into a sophisticated leather-like character with subtle phenolic undertones. As it dries down, it reveals a persistent musky-woody base with faint almond nuances, creating an intriguing contrast between its industrial top notes and surprisingly smooth finish.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Molecule 04(Escentric Molecules, 2010)

Showcases this synthetic amide as its sole ingredient, creating a minimalist yet complex scent that evolves dramatically on skin from industrial sharpness to warm skin-like musk.

Synthetic Jungle(Frederic Malle, 2021)

Uses this molecule to add a futuristic metallic edge to its green floral composition, providing an intriguing contrast to natural galbanum and lily-of-the-valley notes.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Butanamide, N,2-dimethyl-N-phenyl-

SMILES: CCC(C)C(=O)N(C)C1=CC=CC=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

N,2-Dimethyl-N-phenylbutyramide belongs to the class of substituted amides, specifically a phenyl-substituted butyramide derivative. While not found in nature, it’s synthesized through condensation reactions between phenylamine and butyric acid derivatives. The dimethyl substitution on the nitrogen creates steric hindrance that significantly impacts its olfactory properties and longevity. The phenyl ring contributes aromatic character while the butyramide portion provides both volatility and substantive properties.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Molecular WeightEstimated 191.27 g/mol

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 special effect modifier
Functional Fragrance0.1-1%Up to 3%Adds technological character

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to add cutting-edge modernity to amber or woody bases without overwhelming the composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
N-Methyl-N-phenylacetamide CAS 93-97-0

Offers similar aromatic amide characteristics but with less warmth and more sharpness, suitable when a brighter effect is desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

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

RIFM Assessment

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

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this amide avoids natural resource depletion concerns. Its production requires standard petrochemical inputs, though efficiency improvements in synthesis could reduce environmental impact. The material’s potency means small quantities suffice, lowering overall material footprint in formulations.

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References

  1. Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 84434-18-4

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight191.27 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)2.7🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point285 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.0033 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point113.1 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Involatility Index0.0003💻 Calculated
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.95💻 Calculated
SMILESCCC(C)C(=O)N(C)C1=CC=CC=C1🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteBase💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score4.4 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsmuskywoody• leffingwell
Functional Groupsaromatic💻 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: DTXSID10868810

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 191.274 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.988 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point 284.13 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 37.943 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 119.129 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.531 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 190.948 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.55 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.589 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.589 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 7.43 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.026 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.004 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
Viscosity 11.047 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 36.983 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 144.29 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 20.31 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 3 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 59.086 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 23.424 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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