Starch, hydrogen octenylbutanedioate (CAS 52906-93-1) — Citrus None Note Fragrance Ingredient

Citrus · Floral

Starch, hydrogen octenylbutanedioate

CAS 52906-93-1

Origin
synthetic
Note
None
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Starch, hydrogen octenylbutanedioate?

Starch, hydrogen octenylbutanedioate is a modified starch used primarily as a stabilizer and emulsifier in cosmetics and food products. You’ll find it in lotions, creams, and some processed foods where texture modification is needed. This ingredient matters because it improves product consistency without adding fragrance, making it a workhorse ingredient in formulations where maintaining neutral sensory properties is crucial.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
FDA-approved for food and cosmetic use
Non-reactive with skin at typical use levels
CAS
52906-93-1
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Starch, hydrogen octenylbutanedioate Smell Like?

This modified starch is odorless by design, serving as a neutral base in formulations rather than contributing aromatic properties. Its complete lack of scent makes it ideal for applications where other fragrance components need to shine without interference from the carrier system.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Starch, hydrogen octenylbutanedioate is a chemically modified carbohydrate created by esterifying starch with octenyl succinic anhydride. This modification introduces hydrophobic side chains to the normally hydrophilic starch molecule, giving it amphiphilic properties. The synthesis involves reacting starch under alkaline conditions with the anhydride, followed by purification to remove reaction byproducts. The degree of substitution is carefully controlled to achieve desired functional properties while maintaining food-grade safety.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceWhite to off-white powder
SolubilityPartially soluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
None
Volatility
Non-volatile
Blending
Carrier base
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Cosmetics0.5-5%Up to 10%Stabilizer and texture modifier
Food Products0.1-2%Up to 3%Emulsifier and thickener

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a neutral base for powder fragrances to improve adherence without altering scent profile.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Maltodextrin CAS 9050-36-6

Another neutral carbohydrate carrier, though with different solubility and texture properties.

2
Silica CAS 7631-86-9

Inorganic alternative for powder formulations requiring absolute odor neutrality.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not restricted by IFRA – classified as a non-fragrance ingredient.

RIFM Assessment

Not evaluated by RIFM as it is not considered a fragrance material.

Sustainability

This synthetic ingredient is derived from renewable starch sources, typically corn or potato. While the modification process requires chemical inputs, the base material is biodegradable. Production scale allows for efficient manufacturing with relatively low environmental impact compared to petrochemical-derived stabilizers.

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References

  1. FDA. (2021). Food Additive Status List. FDA Database
  2. European Commission. (2019). Cosmetic Ingredient Database. COSING

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 52906-93-1
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.

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