Dimethyl Phenylbutanol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient commonly used in cosmetics, personal care products, and perfumes for its pleasant floral or fruity scent. It is part of a group of compounds that include alcohols and aromatic hydrocarbons, often included in formulations to enhance the sensory profile of the product.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Dimethyl Phenylbutanol is a phenylbutanol derivative, which means it has a phenyl group (a six-carbon aromatic ring) attached to a butanol structure (a four-carbon chain with an alcohol group). The molecule also contains two methyl groups (CH3), which are bound to the phenyl group.

• Phenyl group: A six-membered aromatic ring, contributing to its pleasant, aromatic, floral, and slightly spicy scent.
• Butanol group: A four-carbon chain attached to an alcohol group (-OH), contributing to the molecule’s solubility and volatility in fragrance applications.
• Methyl groups: These two methyl groups modify the overall molecular structure and the scent characteristics.

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Dimethyl Phenylbutanol is usually a colorless to pale yellow liquid.
• Odor: It has a pleasant floral, sweet, and fruity scent, often described as fresh or slightly rose-like.
• Solubility: It is soluble in alcohol, oils, and some solvents but not in water.
• Boiling point: It has a relatively low boiling point, making it volatile and suitable for use in fragrances and perfumes.

Benefits and Functions

• Fragrance component: Dimethyl Phenylbutanol is primarily used to enhance the fragrance profile of products, adding a fresh, pleasant floral or fruity note to perfumes, lotions, shampoos, and other cosmetic products.
• Solvent: It can also act as a solvent, helping to dissolve other fragrance components and ensuring a uniform distribution of scent in cosmetic formulations.
• Fixative: In some formulations, it may act as a fixative, helping to extend the longevity of the fragrance on the skin or product.

Applications

Cosmetics and Personal Care

• Perfumes and colognes: Used in perfumes for its floral, sweet, and fresh scent.
• Shampoos and conditioners: Often included in hair care products to provide a pleasant fragrance.
• Body lotions and creams: Added to moisturizers to impart a lasting fragrance to the skin.
• Deodorants and antiperspirants: Commonly found in these products to mask odors and provide a fresh scent.

Food Industry

• While less common, it may be used in some food applications for flavoring purposes, although it is more widely used in non-food products.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

• Biodegradability: Dimethyl Phenylbutanol is generally considered biodegradable and safe for the environment when used in cosmetic or fragrance formulations.
• Safety Profile: It is considered safe for topical use in cosmetics, although, as with any fragrance ingredient, it could potentially cause irritation in individuals sensitive to fragrances. It is advisable to patch-test products containing this ingredient before full use.
• Sustainability: Being a synthetic fragrance compound, Dimethyl Phenylbutanol is produced in laboratories and can have a lower environmental impact compared to some natural essential oils, depending on the production process.

Molecular Formula  C₁₂H₁₈O

Molecular Weight  178.27 g/mol

CAS     2035-93-0

UNII    M44D8GBX7A

EC Number   218-002-7

DTXSID20883711