Methyl propionate (CAS 0554-12-1) — Sweet Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Methyl propionate
CAS 0554-12-1
What Is Methyl propionate?
Methyl propionate is a synthetic ester used in perfumery for its fruity, apple-like scent. You’ll encounter it in food flavorings, some household products, and occasionally in fresh, fruity fragrances. This ingredient matters because it adds a crisp, juicy top note that can make citrus and green accords smell more natural and vibrant. It’s particularly useful for creating fruity nuances without overpowering a composition.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Methyl propionate Smell Like?
Methyl propionate bursts with a bright, effervescent aroma reminiscent of fresh green apples and juicy pears. The top note is sharply fruity with a champagne-like fizz, quickly settling into a sweeter, jammy heart reminiscent of apple jelly. As it dries down, it reveals a subtle rum-like undertone with just a whisper of buttery richness. The overall effect is like biting into a perfectly ripe apple—crisp, sweet, and slightly tart with a clean, refreshing finish that never becomes cloying.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used sparingly here to enhance the crisp citrus top notes with a naturalistic fruity nuance that complements the tea accord.
Provides subtle apple-like freshness that bridges between the lemon top and woody base notes.
Adds a juicy, dewy quality to the floral bouquet, making white flowers smell more lifelike.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Methyl propionate is a simple ester formed from methanol and propionic acid. Industrially produced via esterification or from petrochemical feedstocks, it’s a clear, colorless liquid with excellent solubility in alcohol. The molecule’s compact structure (C4H8O2) gives it high volatility and low odor threshold. Though achiral, its conformation allows efficient binding to olfactory receptors. Modern production often uses catalytic methods for higher purity and yield.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 80 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.915 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | -6 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 72 mmHg at 20°C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds fruity lift to top notes |
| Functional Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 8% | Freshness booster in cleaners |
| Flavor | 10-50 ppm | Up to 100 ppm | Apple/rum flavor enhancer |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in traces with aldehydes to prevent harshness while maintaining diffusion.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar profile but sweeter and longer-lasting; better for rum-like accords.
More pear-like with lower volatility; useful when more tenacity is needed.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted under current IFRA standards (Amendment 49).
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels with no significant concerns.
Sustainability
As a petrochemical-derived material, methyl propionate has moderate environmental impact during production. However, its high potency means minimal quantities are needed. Some manufacturers are exploring bio-based production routes using fermentation-derived propionic acid to reduce carbon footprint.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781439856333
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 0554-12-1Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 88.11 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 0.8🔬 PubChem |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.669💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | fruitypearsolventsweet• leffingwell |
| “Very diffusive, ethereal-Rum-like odor, Rod.: by direct and azeotropic type ester- sweet and fruity of very poor tenacity. hazard of sour notes, building up upon storage Sweet Petitgrain-like and Grape-like odor of the ester.”📖 Arctander | |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 2.3698 ppm (n=6)📖 van Gemert |
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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