Allyl Amyl Glycolate

Allyl Amyl Glycolate (AAG) – Product Overview

Allyl Amyl Glycolate or Allyl (3-methyl butoxy)acetate, is a product from the Allyl family (or fruity pineapple).

Profile

• 📂 CAS N° — 67634-00-8 / 67634-01-9

• ⚖️ MW — 186.25 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type — Fruity (Pineapple) / Green

• 📈 Odor Strength — Medium, I appreciate it pure. But it is recommended in 10% sol.

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile — it has a fresh fruity pineapple character, which becomes more powdery and green (galbanum type). I find a floral daisy aspect. Chocolate note?

• 👅 Flavor Profile — NOT FOR FLAVOR USE. (Although I tried it and I am still alive)

• ⚗️ Use — Adds bloom and modernity to any fragrance formula. Specially designed for the pineapple note

Chemical Name:

Allyl Amyl Glycolate

IUPAC Name:

2-Propanoic acid, 2-(2-propenyloxy)-, pentyl ester

Chemical Formula:

C₁₀H₁₈O₃

Olfactory Profile

Allyl Amyl Glycolate (AAG) is an impactful fragrance molecule widely used in the perfume industry due to its distinctive fruity and green scent. It is often described as possessing:

• Fruity notes: Primarily reminiscent of pineapple and pear, contributing an exotic and tropical vibe (Sell, 2019).

• Green nuances: Adding a fresh, sharp, and slightly metallic touch, giving it a vibrant and natural feel (Poucher, 1991).

• Sweetness: Underlying its fresh, green qualities, there is a subtle sweetness that balances the overall profile.

• Diffusive Power: AAG is known for its ability to project the scent significantly, even when used in small amounts, making it highly effective in perfume compositions (Sell, 2019).

Odor Characteristics:

• Fruity (pineapple-like), sweet, fresh, green, and slightly metallic

Applications in Perfumery and Product Categories

AAG is primarily used to bring a bright, fresh, and exotic top note to a fragrance. Its versatility across different fragrance types makes it a valuable ingredient for perfumers. It can be incorporated into various product categories, including:

• Fine Fragrances: It provides an exotic, fruity opening in perfumes, especially in fruity-floral or green-floral compositions. AAG is commonly used in tropical-themed fragrances, enhancing the freshness of fruits like pineapple, pear, and melon (Arctander, 1969).

• Personal Care Products: Its fresh, fruity qualities are perfect for shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and body washes, delivering a long-lasting clean and tropical scent (Poucher, 1991).

• Household Products: It can be used in air fresheners, fabric softeners, and laundry detergents to offer a bright, fruity freshness in functional products like household cleaners or fabric care items (Sell, 2019).

Fragrance Families:

• Fruity Florals: Works exceptionally well with floral notes like jasmine and lily of the valley, adding a juicy, fresh-fruit accord (Sell, 2019).

• Green Florals: Blends perfectly with galbanum, fig leaf, and other green notes, enhancing the freshness and vibrancy of a composition (Arctander, 1969).

• Aquatic/Ozonic Scents: Provides a clean and fruity lift to aquatic and ozonic fragrances, adding brightness without overpowering the watery elements (Sell, 2019).

• Citrus Blends: Pairs effortlessly with citrus oils such as bergamot, mandarin, and lime, amplifying the zesty, fresh top notes (Poucher, 1991).

Usage in Fragrance Formulation

Concentration Levels:

• Fine Fragrance: AAG is typically used at 0.1% to 1% in perfume compositions, depending on the desired intensity of the fruity or green note. Its strong diffusion allows it to create a vibrant top note even at low concentrations (Arctander, 1969).

• Personal Care Products: In rinse-off formulations like shampoos and body washes, AAG can be used at concentrations up to 2-3% to ensure a lingering, fresh scent (Poucher, 1991).

• Functional Products: In products like air fresheners and candles, AAG can be used at slightly higher concentrations (2-5%) to ensure a sustained and impactful fruity aroma (Sell, 2019).

Blending Suggestions:

• With Fruity Notes: AAG is ideal for enhancing other fruity elements such as apple, peach, and melon, creating a well-rounded tropical scent (Arctander, 1969).

• With Green Notes: Combining AAG with green notes like violet leaf or galbanum results in a crisp and natural fragrance, perfect for fresh and green-themed perfumes (Poucher, 1991).

• With Aldehydes: AAG can add a sparkling, fruity dimension to aldehydic compositions, boosting their freshness (Sell, 2019).

• With White Florals: It brings a modern twist to classic white florals like jasmine, tuberose, and lily, adding a juicy contrast to their floral intensity (Poucher, 1991).

Regulatory Information and Safety

IFRA Guidelines: Allyl Amyl Glycolate is regulated by the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) to ensure safe usage in products that come into contact with the skin or are exposed to the environment (IFRA, 2021).

• Maximum Usage Limits:

  • In fine fragrances (category 4), AAG should be used in lower concentrations (typically under 1%) to avoid skin sensitization or allergic reactions.

  • In rinse-off products (category 5), such as shampoos or soaps, higher concentrations (up to 2-3%) are acceptable due to limited skin exposure.

  • For air fresheners or candles (category 9), usage up to 5% is permissible, since direct skin contact is minimal.

Skin Sensitization:

Though AAG is generally safe at low concentrations, some individuals may experience skin sensitization or allergic reactions, particularly in leave-on products. As a result, formulations containing AAG must comply with IFRA recommendations to prevent adverse effects (IFRA, 2021).

Handling Precautions:

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When working with AAG in its concentrated form, it is important to wear gloves, protective clothing, and eyewear.

• Storage Conditions: AAG should be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and sources of ignition, due to its flammable nature (Sell, 2019).

Environmental Impact

• Biodegradability: AAG is considered to be biodegradable due to the ester functionality in its structure, which makes it susceptible to hydrolysis and breakdown over time (Poucher, 1991).

• Aquatic Toxicity: While not highly toxic, AAG should be handled with care to prevent contamination of aquatic ecosystems. Proper disposal and waste management procedures should be followed to minimize environmental risks (IFRA, 2021).

Conclusion

Allyl Amyl Glycolate is a highly versatile molecule that brings a fruity, green, and fresh character to a variety of fragrance types. Its powerful diffusion and long-lasting qualities make it ideal for enhancing both fine fragrances and personal care products. However, careful consideration of concentration levels and regulatory guidelines is essential to ensure safety and compliance, especially in skin-contact products. When used appropriately, AAG can transform a fragrance by adding a fresh, exotic, and vibrant dimension, ideal for both modern and traditional formulations (Sell, 2019; Arctander, 1969; Poucher, 1991).

References

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

International Fragrance Association (IFRA). (2021). IFRA Standards. Retrieved from https://ifrafragrance.org/

Poucher, W. A. (1991). Perfumes, Cosmetics, and Soaps (Vol. 3). Springer.

Sell, C. S. (2019). Chemistry and the Sense of Smell. John Wiley & Sons.