Acetyl Propionyl is a synthetic aroma chemical commonly used in perfumery for its creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet character. It is often employed to enhance the richness of fragrances, particularly in gourmand compositions, where it can impart a warm, inviting quality reminiscent of baked goods or dairy products. In addition to its use in sweet fragrances, Acetyl Propionyl can also be found in floral and fruity accords, where it serves to add depth and complexity. This ingredient typically sits in the base or middle notes of a formula, contributing to the overall olfactory profile without overpowering other components. As with many synthetic aroma chemicals, Acetyl Propionyl is subject to safety and regulatory considerations. It is important for formulators to be aware of any potential restrictions or guidelines set forth by regulatory bodies such as IFRA, as well as to monitor for any allergenic potential in their formulations. While Acetyl Propionyl is not commonly listed as a major allergen, its use should be approached with caution, particularly in products intended for sensitive skin. — AI-generated summary, 2026-09-02.
Intensely buttery and creamy diketone (2,3-pentanedione) with a rich, sweet caramel-lactonic character reminiscent of melted butter and butterscotch. Very powerful in trace amounts, lending a dairy, custardy warmth that quickly turns cloying if overdosed.AI · claude-opus-4-7
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Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, page 31.
Yellow liquid
Soluble 7°, in water, miscible with alcohol and flavor materials, Propylene glycol and Glycerin
Oily-buttery odor, pungent and somewhat 'quinone'-like, less sharp and volatile than Diacetyl
Aqueous solutions taste sweet, the oily-buttery aroma appears only at higher concentration where odor interferes with actual taste. Weak aqueous solutions are practically odorless.
Little, if any, is used in perfumes.
Useful in flavors for Butter, Caramel, Cheese, Cream, Fruit, Rum, etc. at concentrations equal to 0.3 to 10 ppm in the finished consumer product.
Produced from Ethyl acetoacetate or from Diethyl ketone, or from Methyl propylketone.