Decanoic acid, ester with 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol octanoate (CAS 11138-60-6) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Sweet

Decanoic acid, ester with 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol octanoate

CAS 11138-60-6

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Decanoic acid, ester with 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol octanoate?

Decanoic acid ester is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumes and personal care products for its subtle waxy, creamy notes. It acts as a fixative, helping other scents last longer on skin. This ingredient matters because it provides stability to fragrance formulas without overwhelming the primary scent profile.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Safe in regulated products
⚠ Check for skin sensitivity
CAS
11138-60-6
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Sweet
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Decanoic acid, ester with 2-ethyl-2-(hydroxymethyl)-1,3-propanediol octanoate Smell Like?

This ester offers a mild, waxy aroma with creamy undertones, reminiscent of fresh candle wax or clean laundry. It lacks sharp edges, blending seamlessly into fragrance bases. Over time, it evolves into a soft, barely-there presence that subtly anchors brighter notes.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Decanoic acid ester belongs to the class of fatty acid esters, synthesized through esterification reactions. Its structure provides excellent stability in formulations. While not naturally occurring, it mimics some properties of natural wax esters found in botanical sources.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling PointNot readily available
DensityNot readily available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (hours-days)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Used as fixative
Personal Care0.5-3%Up to 5%Provides stability

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to round out sharp edges in woody or musky compositions.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ethyl decanoate CAS 110-38-3

More fruity character, used when brighter ester notes are desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions currently apply.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has not flagged significant safety concerns for this material.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, production can be controlled with minimal environmental impact. No natural resources are required, though petrochemical feedstocks are typically used.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for Decanoic acid esters PubChem

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 11138-60-6
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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