p-Tolyl 3-methylbutyrate (CAS 55066-56-3) — Sweet Top to Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient

Sweet · Floral

p-Tolyl 3-methylbutyrate

CAS 55066-56-3

Origin
synthetic
Note
Top to Heart
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is p-Tolyl 3-methylbutyrate?

p-Tolyl 3-methylbutyrate is a synthetic fragrance compound used in perfumes and flavored products. It contributes fruity, floral, and slightly woody notes. Consumers encounter it in body sprays, candles, and some food flavorings. This ester is valued for its versatility and stability in formulations, making it a common choice for creating long-lasting scent profiles.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for individual sensitivities
CAS
55066-56-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does p-Tolyl 3-methylbutyrate Smell Like?

p-Tolyl 3-methylbutyrate offers a complex aroma profile. Initially, it presents bright fruity notes reminiscent of ripe bananas and apples, which gradually soften into a floral heart with hints of rose and jasmine. The dry-down reveals a subtle woody undertone, adding depth and longevity. Its evolution is smooth, making it a versatile ingredient in both top and heart note compositions.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Fruity Floral(Generic, 2020)

Used to enhance fruity top notes and add floral depth in body sprays and candles.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

p-Tolyl isovalerate

SMILES: CC(C)CC(=O)OC1=CC=C(C)C=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

p-Tolyl 3-methylbutyrate is an ester formed from the reaction of p-cresol and 3-methylbutyric acid. It belongs to the class of aromatic esters, known for their stability and pleasant odors. The compound is typically synthesized via esterification under acidic conditions, yielding a product with consistent quality and purity.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointN/A
DensityN/A

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to Heart
Volatility
Medium (1-3 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Adds fruity floral complexity
Body Sprays2-7%Up to 12%Enhances top notes
Candles3-8%Up to 15%Provides long-lasting scent

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in moderation to avoid overpowering other notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Benzyl acetate CAS 140-11-4

A more floral alternative with similar stability but less fruity character.

2
Isoamyl acetate CAS 123-92-2

A fruitier alternative with higher volatility, suitable for top notes.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No specific restrictions under IFRA standards.

EU Allergen Declaration

Not listed as an EU allergen.

RIFM Assessment

No significant safety concerns identified by RIFM.

Sustainability

As a synthetic compound, p-Tolyl 3-methylbutyrate is produced in controlled environments with minimal environmental impact. Its synthetic origin ensures consistent quality and reduces reliance on natural resources.

Explore p-Tolyl 3-methylbutyrate

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

  1. PubChem: p-Tolyl 3-methylbutyrate PubChem
  2. IFRA Standards Library IFRA

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

Report a data error

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID6047159

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 192.258 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.982 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point 252.391 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 22.92 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 97.562 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.494 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 193.234 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.532 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 3.532 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 3.532 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.81 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.023 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 6.802 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 32.308 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 131.692 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 3 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 56.276 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 22.31 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.

Similar Posts