N-Lactoyl ethanolamine (CAS 5422-34-4) — Musky Heart to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
N-Lactoyl ethanolamine
CAS 5422-34-4
What Is N-Lactoyl ethanolamine?
N-Lactoyl ethanolamine is a synthetic fragrance ingredient primarily used in niche perfumery. Consumers might encounter it in avant-garde or experimental fragrances that push olfactory boundaries. This molecule matters because it represents the cutting edge of perfumery innovation, offering unique scent profiles that can’t be achieved with traditional materials.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does N-Lactoyl ethanolamine Smell Like?
N-Lactoyl ethanolamine presents a complex olfactory profile that evolves dramatically from application to dry-down. Initially, it offers a sharp, almost metallic edge that quickly softens into a milky-lactonic heart. The dry-down reveals subtle ambery undertones with a skin-like quality that enhances musk accords. Its behavior is reminiscent of heated milk just before boiling – simultaneously comforting and slightly unsettling with a lingering salty-sweet persistence.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(O)C(=O)NCCO
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
N-Lactoyl ethanolamine belongs to the amide class of compounds, specifically a lactoyl derivative of ethanolamine. While not found in nature, its structure mimics certain skin-identical molecules. Synthesis typically involves the condensation reaction between lactic acid and ethanolamine under controlled conditions. The molecule exhibits interesting hydrogen bonding properties due to its dual functional groups, which contributes to its unique olfactory characteristics and substantivity on skin.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in water and alcohol |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Use as skin-accord enhancer |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Limited use in body products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in trace amounts to enhance skin-musk accords without overpowering the composition.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar lactonic properties with more pronounced milky notes and better substantivity.
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
No formal RIFM assessment available. Considered low risk based on structural analogues.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, N-Lactoyl ethanolamine has minimal environmental impact in production. Its efficient use at low concentrations makes it sustainable for perfumery applications. The synthesis route can be optimized for green chemistry principles with proper catalyst selection.
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary (2023). N-Lactoyl ethanolamine. PubChem
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID20863533
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 133.147 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.197 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 321.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -53 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 202.733 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.479 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 112.394 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | -1.335 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | -1.555 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | -1.34 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 7.26 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 20.278 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 55.821 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 47.425 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 219.274 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 69.56 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 3 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 3 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 3 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 31.866 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 12.633 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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