Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate (ACHP)

Technical Ingredient Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer — Symrise

• 🔎 Chemical Name — Allyl cyclohexylpropionate

• 🧪 Synonyms — Allyl 3-cyclohexylpropanoate, 3-Cyclohexylpropanoic acid, allyl ester

• 🧬 Chemical Formula — C₁₂H₂₀O₂

• 📂 CAS — 2705-87-5

• 📘 FEMA — 2055

• ⚖️ MW — 196.29 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type — Fruity, green

• 📈 Odor Strength — Medium to high

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile — Fruity (Pineapple, apple, pear), green, slightly waxy, woody.

• ⚗️ Uses — Fragrance ingredient in fine fragrance, functional perfumery, and FEMA-approved flavoring

• 🧴 Appearance — Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid

What is Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate?

Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate is a synthetic ester combining an allyl group and cyclohexylpropionic acid, producing a molecule with balanced volatility and notable olfactory impact. Its structural composition, featuring a cyclohexyl ring attached to a propionate moiety, contributes to its dual woody and fruity character, a profile rarely achieved with such stability and tenacity (Arctander, 1969).

Highly valued in fragrance and personal care chemistry, this ester’s enduring presence makes it a preferred choice in compositions requiring long-lasting freshness and naturalistic fruity accents.

Historical Background

While the specific year and inventor of Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate are not publicly documented, its introduction likely dates to the mid-20th century, a prolific era for ester-based fragrance molecules. Its recognition by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) under GRAS number 2055 confirms its longstanding presence in flavor and fragrance chemistry (FEMA, 1995).

The molecule’s appeal rose significantly as perfumers sought cleaner fruity notes with greater tenacity than traditional short-chain esters. Its stability and adaptability helped position it as a workhorse in both perfumery and consumer goods.

Olfactory Profile

Scent Family: Fruity-green musky esters

Main Descriptors: Crisp apple, ripe pear, cyclamen floralcy, green tropical fruit, clean musky wood

Volatility: Medium; suitable for head to heart transitions

Tenacity: High; excellent longevity on skin and substrates (Kraft, 2012; Sell, 2006)

Fixative Role: Not a base fixative, but strongly extends fruity top notes

Applications in Fine Fragrance

Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate is favored in compositions where fruity brightness must endure without becoming cloying. It is commonly used in:

• Green fruity accords (Pineapple, apple-pear themes)

• Modern musky florals (with Hedione, Cyclamen aldehyde, Iso E Super)

• Functional perfumery (fabric care, deodorants, air fresheners)

Its profile lends a juicy transparency to naturalistic creations and provides contrast to heavier lactonic or amber notes.

Performance in Formula

According to Charles Sell and Philip Kraft, one of the defining features of Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate is its remarkable longevity—both on the skin and in products like detergents, creams, or sprays. Its chemical stability makes it especially suitable for water-based and powder systems, where many fruity materials degrade quickly (Kraft, 2012; Sell, 2006).

This compound offers:

• Strong persistence in personal care and household formulas

• Excellent diffusion when paired with green and musky partners

• High compatibility with solvents, surfactants, and emulsified bases

Industrial & Technical Uses

Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate is used beyond perfumery in:

• Shampoos, conditioners, body washes — adding fruity brightness that survives rinsing

• Detergents and softeners — remains noticeable after wash and dry cycles

• Air care products — contributes to top freshness and overall radiance

• Flavoring — FEMA 2055 status permits limited use in food applications with fruity-floral notes

Its utility in powdered and aqueous formulations makes it indispensable for manufacturers aiming for olfactory performance under technical constraints.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• IFRA — Not restricted (51st Amendment, 2023)

• GHS Classification — Not classified as hazardous

• EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) — Permitted for cosmetic use

• REACH Registered — Yes; substance dossier available

• FEMA GRAS — FEMA No. 2055 (Generally Recognized as Safe for use in flavorings)

• Allergen Risk — Not listed among the 26 EU declarable allergens

• Toxicology — Considered safe at standard use concentrations; low sensitization profile (Opdyke, 1975)

Scientific Insights

Chemically, the cyclohexylpropionate skeleton contributes to both volatility control and olfactory balance. The presence of an allyl group enhances fresh diffusion, while the cyclohexyl ring provides a soft woody body that anchors the fruity notes (Arctander, 1969).

Its structure makes it ideal for building fruit-green-musky transitions—a foundational axis in many modern fragrance pyramids.

According to Philip Kraft (2012) and Charles Sell (2006), this molecule represents an excellent example of long-chain esters engineered for multi-phase scent delivery.

References

• Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals). Montclair: Self-published.

• FEMA. (1995). FEMA GRAS 2055: Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate. Retrieved from https://www.femaflavor.org

• Kraft, P. (2012). Aromachemicals: Complexity and Versatility in Perfumery. In H. Surburg & J. Panten (Eds.), Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials (5th ed.). Wiley-VCH.

• Opdyke, D. L. J. (1975). Fragrance raw materials monographs. Food and Cosmetics Toxicology, 13, 779–780.

• Sell, C. (2006). The Chemistry of Fragrances (2nd ed.). Royal Society of Chemistry.