hyacinth butanal

Hyacinth butanal, chemically identified as 3-Phenylbutanal, is an aromatic aldehyde with the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₂O. It appears as a clear liquid and exhibits a highly potent green odor reminiscent of fresh hyacinth flowers and crushed foliage. This compound is also known by several synonyms including trifernal (a trade name by Firmenich), 3-methyl-3-phenylpropanal, and β-methylbenzenepropanal. Hyacinth butanal belongs to the class of fragrance aldehydes and is sourced predominantly via synthetic organic chemistry routes for use in perfumery and related fragrance applications. Its PubChem link provides detailed chemical information and structural data further supporting its characterization.

Hyacinth butanal is not naturally abundant but is synthesized for its application mainly as a fragrance agent. It is valued for imparting powerful green and floral notes, often enhancing natural effects in perfumes based on lilac, violet, or muguet. Its use aligns with the IFRA (Global) standards, which set restrictions on safe inclusion levels in various types of products. Its intense, diffusive green odor profile makes it suitable in aromatic formulations, colognes, and other fine fragrances where an elevated natural bitter green character is desired. It can complement notes such as citrus, herbal, or floral to produce complex scent bouquets.

Hyacinth butanal is a clear, moderately volatile liquid with a molecular weight of approximately 148.2 g/mol. It has a refractive index ranging from 1.505 to 1.525 at 20 °C and a specific gravity between 0.98 and 1.05 at 25 °C. Exhibiting a predicted logP value around 2.13, it is moderately lipophilic and adequately soluble in alcohol and water (approximately 624 mg/L at 25 °C). The compound's flash point is approximately 77 °C (170 °F), indicating moderate flammability under standard conditions. Its vapor pressure (0.206 mmHg at 25 °C) signifies appreciable volatility relevant for fragrance release. Stability data suggest that it remains effective at trace levels in various consumer formulations such as fine fragrances, shampoos, and detergents, with recommended use levels regulated by safety bodies.

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:	The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:	Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
CHEMBL:	View
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	Search
Export Tariff Code:	2912.29.5000
ChemSpider:	View

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xi - Irritant
R 36/38 - Irritating to skin and eyes. S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes. S 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. S 36 - Wear suitable protective clothing.
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
IFRA Critical Effect:
Dermal sensitization and systemic toxicity
	View the IFRA Standard
View IFRA Standards Library for complete information.
Please review Amendment 49 IFRA documentation for complete information.
IFRA RESTRICTION LIMITS IN THE FINISHED PRODUCT (%):
Category 1: Products applied to the lips
0.17 %
Category 2: Products applied to the axillae
0.069 %
Category 3: Products applied to the face/body using fingertips
0.023 %
Category 4: Products related to fine fragrance
0.44 %
	Category 5: Products applied to the face and body using the hands (palms), primarily leave-on
Category 5A: Body lotion products applied to the body using the hands (palms), primarily leave-on
0.24 %
Category 5B: Face moisturizer products applied to the face using the hands (palms), primarily leave-on
0.23 %
Category 5C: Hand cream products applied to the hands using the hands (palms), primarily leave-on
0.34 %
Category 5D: Baby Creams, baby Oils and baby talc
0.0076 %
Category 6: Products with oral and lip exposure
0.011 %
	Category 7: Products applied to the hair with some hand contact
Category 7A: Rinse-off products applied to the hair with some hand contact
0.023 %
Category 7B: Leave-on products applied to the hair with some hand contact
0.023 %
Category 8: Products with significant anogenital exposure
0.0076 %
Category 9: Products with body and hand exposure, primarily rinse off
0.080 %
	Category 10: Household care products with mostly hand contact
Category 10A: Household care excluding aerosol products (excluding aerosol/spray products)
0.080 %
Category 10B: Household aerosol/spray products
0.36 %
	Category 11: Products with intended skin contact but minimal transfer of fragrance to skin from inert substrate
Category 11A: Products with intended skin contact but minimal transfer of fragrance to skin from inert substrate without UV exposure
0.0076 %
Category 11B: Products with intended skin contact but minimal transfer of fragrance to skin from inert substrate with potential UV exposure
0.0076 %
Category 12: Products not intended for direct skin contact, minimal or insignificant transfer to skin
9.60 %
	Notes:
IFRA FLAVOR REQUIREMENTS:
Due to the possible ingestion of small amounts of fragrance ingredients from their use in products in Categories 1 and 6, materials must not only comply with IFRA Standards but must also be recognized as safe as a flavoring ingredient as defined by the IOFI Code of Practice (www.iofi.org). For more details see chapter 1 of the Guidance for the use of IFRA Standards.
Recommendation for hyacinth butanal flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):16251-77-7

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :85979

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:2

3-phenylbutanal

Chemidplus:0016251777