Carbonic acid, 2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl methyl ester (CAS 132638-45-0) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Balsamic

Carbonic acid, 2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl methyl ester

CAS 132638-45-0

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Carbonic acid, 2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl methyl ester?

This synthetic fragrance ingredient is a specialized compound used in high-end perfumery to create unique aromatic effects. Consumers might encounter it in niche fragrances where perfumers seek unconventional scent profiles. Its importance lies in providing perfumers with a tool to craft distinctive, modern accords that stand apart from traditional compositions.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Safe in regulated concentrations
⚠ Limited safety data available
CAS
132638-45-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Carbonic acid, 2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl methyl ester Smell Like?

This synthetic ingredient offers a complex olfactory profile that evolves from initial sharp, almost metallic top notes to a heart with subtle woody undertones. The dry-down reveals a faintly sweet, resinous character that adds depth to fragrance compositions. Its behavior on skin is notably long-lasting, with a slow release that makes it valuable for base note applications where subtlety is desired.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Carbonic acid, 2-methoxy-4-methylphenyl methyl ester

SMILES: COC(=O)OC1=CC=C(C)C=C1OC

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

As a synthetic aromatic ester, this compound belongs to a class of molecules prized for their stability and versatility in perfumery. While its exact synthesis route is proprietary, similar compounds are typically created through esterification reactions between phenolic compounds and carboxylic acid derivatives. The methoxy and methyl substitutions on the phenyl ring contribute to its unique scent profile and chemical properties.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (4+ hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used sparingly for depth
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Limited use in functional products

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in trace amounts to add complexity without dominating the composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Methyl dihydrojasmonate CAS 24851-98-7

Offers similar subtle woody-floral effects with better understood safety profile.

2
Ethylene brassylate CAS 105-95-3

Provides musky-sweet base notes as an alternative for composition depth.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. No specific usage limits established.

RIFM Assessment

No RIFM assessment currently available for this specific compound.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this ingredient’s environmental impact is primarily related to its production process. Being petroleum-derived, its sustainability depends on the manufacturer’s energy sources and waste management practices. The advantage of synthetic materials like this is their consistent quality and reduced land use compared to natural alternatives.

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References

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

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 132638-45-0

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight196.2 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)2.4🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point257 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0.0018 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point104.4 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Involatility Index0.0001💻 Calculated
    log Kp (skin permeability)-2.193💻 Calculated
    SMILESCC1=CC(=C(C=C1)OC(=O)OC)OC🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteBase💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score4.7 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Functional Groupsetheraromatic💻 RDKit
    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.

    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID50888951

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 196.202 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.86 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
    Boiling Point 267.387 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 52.225 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Flash Point 116.817 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.497 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 173.702 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.27 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX
    LogD (pH 5.5) 1.925 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 1.925 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.78 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.002 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.001 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
    Viscosity 6.23 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 34.767 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 44.76 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 4 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 2 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 50.843 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 20.156 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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