Diacetyl, with the CAS number 431-03-8, is a synthetic aroma chemical known for its buttery, creamy character. It is commonly used in the fragrance industry to impart a rich, smooth note that can enhance the overall complexity of a scent. Diacetyl is often found in gourmand compositions, where it can evoke flavors reminiscent of buttered popcorn or creamy desserts. In perfumery, it typically serves as a supporting note, blending well with other ingredients to create a harmonious olfactory profile. However, it is important to note that diacetyl has been associated with certain health concerns, particularly when inhaled in significant quantities, leading to regulatory scrutiny. As a result, its use in consumer products is subject to safety assessments and may be restricted in certain applications. Perfumers should be aware of these considerations when formulating with diacetyl, ensuring compliance with relevant safety guidelines and regulations. — AI-generated summary, 2026-09-02.
Intensely buttery and pungent — the archetypal 'movie theater popcorn butter' smell. In isolation it's sharp, fatty, and almost cheesy, with a fermented lactic edge; at high dilution it becomes creamy and dairy-like, useful for butter, caramel, and dairy accords.AI · claude-opus-4-7
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Other ingredients whose composition declares this material as a constituent. The percentage shown is the supplier-declared concentration in that parent.
Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, page 358.
Intensely yellowish or greenish-yellow mobile liquid. Solidifies in the cold.
Soluble in water, miscible with alcohol and oils, soluble in propylene glycol and glycerin.
Very powerful and diffusive, pungent, buttery odor. Chlorine-Quinone-like in high concentration, oily-buttery in extreme dilution.
Finds extensive use in flavor compositions, primarily in imitation Butter, Milk, Cream, Cheese, etc. Also in Berry flavors, Butterscotch, Caramel, Chocolate, Coffee, Cherry, Fruit, Honey, Liquor, Tobacco, Rum, Wine, Nut, Almond, Spice, Ginger Ale, Cream Soda, Vinegar, Vanilla, Buttermilk, etc.
It finds some use in perfumery - mainly in the reconstruction of essential oils (artificial essential oils and flower absolutes). Lavender, Lavandin, Bay, Orris and many other oils contain traces of this ketone.
1) from methyl ethyl ketone. 2) by selective fermentation of glucose.