Pentyl benzoate (CAS 2049-96-9) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Sweet · Balsamic

Pentyl benzoate

CAS 2049-96-9

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

What Is Pentyl benzoate?

Pentyl benzoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient primarily used in perfumes and artificial flavorings. It’s commonly found in fruity and floral scented products like body lotions and air fresheners. This ester compound matters because it adds a sweet, slightly balsamic nuance that helps blend diverse scent elements together, creating more complex and lasting fragrance profiles.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ No known major safety concerns
⚠ Limited safety data available
CAS
2049-96-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Pentyl benzoate Smell Like?

Pentyl benzoate presents a delicate balance of sweet fruitiness and mild balsamic undertones, reminiscent of ripe apricots dipped in honey with a whisper of vanilla. Its initial burst carries subtle floral hints that quickly mellow into a warm, ambery base. The dry-down reveals a smooth, slightly powdery texture that lingers close to the skin, making it excellent for anchoring brighter top notes without overwhelming compositions.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Pentyl benzoate is an ester formed by the condensation of benzoic acid and pentanol. As a synthetic compound, it’s typically produced through acid-catalyzed esterification in laboratory settings. The ester linkage gives it moderate stability and volatility characteristics. While not found in nature, its molecular structure mimics certain naturally occurring aromatic esters found in tropical fruits and floral absolutes.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Blending agent for fruity-floral accords
Personal Care0.5-2%Up to 3%Adds subtle sweetness to body products

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a bridge between citrus top notes and woody base notes to improve scent longevity.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Benzyl benzoate CAS 120-51-4

Offers similar sweet-balsamic character with better fixative properties for heavier fragrances.

2
Ethyl benzoate CAS 93-89-0

Provides a lighter, more volatile alternative with sharper fruity tones.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions currently apply to pentyl benzoate.

RIFM Assessment

Not currently evaluated by RIFM.

Sustainability

As a synthetic ingredient, pentyl benzoate production doesn’t rely on natural resources. Its manufacturing process follows standard petrochemical routes, with opportunities for green chemistry optimization in catalyst selection and energy efficiency. Being fully synthetic, it avoids agricultural supply chain issues associated with natural materials.

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References

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

    Report a data error

    Layer 3 · Practical

    • Odor Profile: balsamic, floral, fruity, sweet

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