Phenethyl 2-ethylbutyrate (CAS 6315-04-04) — Sweet Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Phenethyl 2-ethylbutyrate
CAS 6315-04-04
What Is Phenethyl 2-ethylbutyrate?
Phenethyl 2-ethylbutyrate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumes and scented products. It adds fruity, floral, and slightly woody nuances. You’ll encounter it in fine fragrances, body care products, and home scents. This ester matters because it provides a cost-effective alternative to natural floral extracts while offering excellent stability and blending properties in formulations.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Phenethyl 2-ethylbutyrate Smell Like?
Phenethyl 2-ethylbutyrate opens with a burst of ripe pear and apple peel freshness, like biting into a just-picked Bartlett pear. This fruity top evolves into a honeyed rose heart with subtle hints of banana candy sweetness. The dry-down reveals a smooth, woody-amber base reminiscent of fine sandalwood shavings. Throughout its evolution, it maintains a clean, slightly waxy character that prevents cloying sweetness, making it ideal for modern floral-fruity compositions.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to enhance the fruity-floral signature, contributing juicy pear notes that complement the jasmine and grapefruit accord without overpowering the delicate composition.
Provides the candied fruit facet that balances the patchouli base, creating the signature ‘happy gourmand’ effect central to this bestseller.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Phenethyl 2-ethylbutyrate is an ester formed by the condensation of phenethyl alcohol and 2-ethylbutyric acid. As a synthetic material, it’s typically produced via acid-catalyzed esterification under controlled conditions. The branched ethyl group on the butyrate moiety contributes to its unique odor profile compared to straight-chain analogs. Being chiral, commercial material is typically racemic, though enantiopure forms could theoretically exhibit odor differences.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | ~250 °C (estimated) |
| Density | ~0.95 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | 0.5-5% | Floral-fruity compositions |
| Body Care | 0.5-1% | 0.2-2% | Shower gels, lotions |
| Home Fragrance | 0.2-0.8% | 0.1-1.5% | Candles, diffusers |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with ionones to create dimensional fruity-floral effects that avoid simplistic candy-like character.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More rosy and less fruity, useful when a cleaner floral character is desired without the banana-pear nuances.
Similar fruity profile but greener and more suitable for top notes in fresh applications.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA Standards (as of 2023).
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for current use levels based on structural analogs and industry experience.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, phenethyl 2-ethylbutyrate offers consistent quality without natural variation. Its production avoids agricultural land use and seasonal availability issues. The synthesis route typically uses petrochemical feedstocks, though bio-based precursors could potentially be employed for greener production.
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References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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