p-Tolyl 3-methylcrotonate (CAS 24700-20-7) — Floral Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Floral · Sweet

p-Tolyl 3-methylcrotonate

CAS 24700-20-7

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

What Is p-Tolyl 3-methylcrotonate?

p-Tolyl 3-methylcrotonate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add floral and fruity nuances to perfumes and scented products. It’s commonly found in personal care items like shampoos and body lotions. This ester contributes to creating fresh, vibrant top notes that make fragrances more appealing and complex.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Safe in regulated products
⚠ Check for individual sensitivity
CAS
24700-20-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Floral · Sweet
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does p-Tolyl 3-methylcrotonate Smell Like?

p-Tolyl 3-methylcrotonate presents a bright, floral-fruity character with a subtle green undertone. The initial impression is reminiscent of fresh apple blossoms with a hint of pear skin, evolving into a more candied rose petal effect. As it dries down, it reveals a soft powdery texture with a whisper of warm spice, making it versatile in modern floral compositions.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Chance Eau Tendre(Chanel, 2010)

Used as a brightening agent in the fruity-floral accord, contributing to the fragrance’s airy, youthful character that distinguishes it from heavier floral perfumes.

Light Blue(Dolce & Gabbana, 2001)

Provides a crisp, fruity lift to the citrus opening, enhancing the perfume’s refreshing Mediterranean inspiration.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2-Butenoic acid, 3-methyl-, 4-methylphenyl ester

SMILES: CC(C)=CC(=O)OC1=CC=C(C)C=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

p-Tolyl 3-methylcrotonate is an ester formed from the reaction of p-cresol with 3-methylcrotonic acid. As a synthetic material, it offers consistent quality and olfactory properties. The molecule features both aromatic and unsaturated components that contribute to its distinctive floral-fruity odor profile.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
OdorFloral, fruity with green nuances

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
Medium (1-2 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Adds freshness to floral compositions
Personal Care0.5-2%Up to 3%Provides subtle fruity-floral notes

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in the top to middle notes to add a fresh floral lift without overwhelming the composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Benzyl acetate CAS 140-11-4

Offers similar floral character but with more jasmine-like notes, suitable when a richer floral effect is desired.

2
Phenethyl acetate CAS 103-45-7

Provides a rosier floral character with honeyed undertones, useful for more traditional floral bouquets.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA.

RIFM Assessment

Considered safe for use in fragrances at current levels based on RIFM assessments.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, p-Tolyl 3-methylcrotonate offers consistent quality without natural sourcing pressures. Production can be optimized for minimal environmental impact through green chemistry principles.

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References

  1. Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured Publishing.

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 24700-20-7

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight190.24 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)3.6🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point261 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.017 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point118 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Involatility Index0.0013💻 Calculated
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.304💻 Calculated
SMILESCC1=CC=C(C=C1)OC(=O)C=C(C)C🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score3.5 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsfloralsweet• leffingwell
Functional Groupsesteretheralkenearomatic💻 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: DTXSID9067017

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 190.242 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.015 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 276.254 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 14.282 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 119.496 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.516 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 186.274 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.984 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.984 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.984 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.1 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.002 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.007 mmHg📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 34.31 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 26.3 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 2 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 56.218 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 22.287 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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