Neryl propionate (CAS 105-91-9) — Floral Top to Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Neryl propionate
CAS 105-91-9
What Is Neryl propionate?
Neryl propionate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient often used in perfumes and scented products. It contributes a fresh, floral, and slightly fruity aroma that enhances various fragrance compositions. This ingredient matters because it adds a natural-smelling floralcy to formulations without relying on expensive natural extracts, making it a versatile and cost-effective choice for perfumers.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Neryl propionate Smell Like?
Neryl propionate unfolds with a bright, fresh top note reminiscent of crisp green apples and dewy rose petals. As it evolves, the heart reveals a soft, floral bouquet with nuances of neroli and a hint of juicy pear. The dry-down is clean and slightly powdery, leaving a delicate trail of floral sweetness. Its aroma is uplifting yet balanced, making it a versatile choice for adding natural floralcy to compositions without overpowering.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Neryl propionate enhances the floral bouquet, adding a fresh, green nuance that complements the aldehydic top notes and jasmine heart.
Used to amplify the floralcy of ylang-ylang and rose, providing a crisp, modern edge to the opulent floral heart.
Adds a fresh, green floralcy that balances the tuberose and jasmine, creating a vibrant, naturalistic floral accord.
Contributes to the youthful, dewy floral character, enhancing the strawberry and violet leaf top notes.
Used to create the illusion of fresh, airy bluebells, adding a crisp floralcy to the watery green notes.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCC(=O)OC\C=C(\C)CCC=C(C)C
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Neryl propionate is an ester derived from nerol and propionic acid. It belongs to the class of terpene esters, which are known for their pleasant floral and fruity odors. The molecule features a double bond in the neryl configuration, which influences its odor profile. Industrially, it is synthesized via esterification of nerol with propionic acid under acidic conditions. The resulting compound is a clear, colorless liquid with a fresh floral scent, widely used in perfumery for its stability and versatility.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | N/A |
|---|---|
| Density | N/A |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Adds fresh floralcy |
| Personal Care | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Enhances floral notes |
| Household | 0.1-2% | Up to 3% | Provides fresh floral aroma |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in floral compositions to add a fresh, green floralcy without overpowering the heart notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers a similar floral profile but with a softer, more fruity nuance, ideal for delicate floral compositions.
Provides a rosier, more intense floralcy, suitable for richer floral accords.
Delivers a sweeter, more citrusy floral note, perfect for fresh, uplifting fragrances.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safety for current usage levels in fragrances.
Sustainability
Neryl propionate is synthesized from petrochemical-derived precursors, making it a sustainable alternative to natural floral extracts. Its production has a lower environmental impact compared to harvesting natural ingredients. The synthetic route ensures consistent quality and availability, reducing reliance on agricultural resources.
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References
- Bauer, K. et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH. ISBN 978-3-527-30389-2
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured Publishing. ISBN 978-0-931710-37-3
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 105-91-9Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 210.31 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.9🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 233 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Flash Point | 97.7 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.214💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CCC(=O)OCC=C(C)CCC=C(C)C🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Heart💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | fruitysweet• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | esteretheralkene💻 RDKit |
| “Sweet and very fruity, "jam-like" odor reminiscent of the heavy syrup of fruit preserves, yet with a trace of fresh-floral notes and moderate tenacity.”📖 Arctander | |
| Neryl propionate has an ether-like, sweet and intense fruity odor reminiscent of jasmine and rose. The aroma has also been described as “jam-like.” It has a sweet taste suggestive of plum.📖 Fenaroli | |
Flavor Notes (Arctander)
| “Intensely sweet-fruity taste in dilution near 10 ppm.”📖 Arctander |
Regulatory Status
| FEMA Number | FEMA 2777⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
| GRAS Status | Generally Recognized as Safe⚖️ FEMA GRAS |
| IOFI Classification | Nature Identical📖 Fenaroli |
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: DTXSID90883167
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 210.317 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.9 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 233 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -35.19 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 97.775 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.459 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 233.437 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.286 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 4.286 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.286 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.63 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.022 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 2.674 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 27.659 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 136.483 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 | 6 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 63.852 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 25.313 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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