During the late 1900s, the rise of synthetic chemistry pushed researchers to explore a new range of scent molecules and intermediates for industrial needs. Dimethyl octanyl acetate started as a specialty ester in the labs of manufacturers trying to craft more stable fragrance compounds. By the 1970s, companies working in Europe and North America began patenting this molecule for its unique sensory profile and easy synthesis. Over time, it found a place in everything from niche perfumery to international flavor and fragrance standards, as companies recognized the value behind reliable, easily produced acetates that could offer a rich, versatile backbone in blends. My early days in industrial flavor labs taught me how quickly such a relatively obscure molecule could transform production pipelines once technical teams recognized a consistent aroma, predictable reactivity, and safety profile.
Dimethyl octanyl acetate stands as a premium grade ester, prized by chemists and technicians alike for its effectiveness as both a fragrance enhancer and a reactive building block. Most commercial batches come as a clear, pale yellow liquid with a noticeably sweet, fresh scent—hints of citrus and green apple often shine through, giving it mass appeal. In retail and industrial circles, the product sometimes goes under trade names like “Octanyl Acetate,” “DMOA,” or "2,6-Dimethyloctyl Acetate" depending on regional labeling standards and supplier tradition. The commercial presence stretches far past boutique perfumeries, with usage documented in cleaning agents, topical products, and a few specialized solvent applications.
With a molecular formula of C12H24O2, dimethyl octanyl acetate possesses a moderate molecular weight of about 200.32 g/mol. Its boiling point typically falls around 260°C, high enough to grant stability but low enough for manageable distillation during purification. The flash point, at nearly 110°C, requires attention in facilities using open heat sources—meaning safety teams often implement strict venting and storage rules. Water solubility stays quite low, so in any formulation the molecule tends to favor oil phases or non-polar solvents. Its refractive index hovers near 1.430 to 1.440 at 20°C, while density usually comes in close to 0.86–0.88 g/cm³. Based on my time in quality assurance labs, batches with outlying pH or spurious color often signal oxygen exposure or improper handling, so tight controls around air and moisture make a difference in keeping stocks in spec.
Every shipped drum and vial carries a technical data sheet laying out purity, assay method, and trace impurity levels. Purity is generally quoted above 98%—lower levels tend to create off-notes or discolorations. Labels include hazard pictograms, UN transport numbers, and recommended storage ranges (usually between 5°C and 25°C). Teams handling large inventory cycles use barcode integration for tracking, while regulatory staff keep Safety Data Sheets consolidated for international shipping. A good labeling policy spells out CAS number, batch, expiration date, and storage requirements, following national and international GHS regulations.
Making dimethyl octanyl acetate generally starts with a condensation of acetic acid or acetyl chloride with the appropriate dimethyl octanol. Acid catalysts—often sulfuric acid or p-toluenesulfonic acid—drive the esterification, with distillation steps pulling off water or excess reactants. In a pilot plant, I’ve watched teams use continuous flow reactors to boost throughput and cut impurities. Final product undergoes neutralization, drying (sometimes over magnesium sulfate), and fractional distillation for purity. Raw material selection makes a tangible impact on sensory outcome, so scent specialists stay closely involved, sniffing batches side by side for subtle difference that instrumental analysis alone can’t catch.
On the bench, dimethyl octanyl acetate holds up well under standard storage and mixing. It resists hydrolysis in most non-aqueous blends, but under alkaline or acidic conditions it can break back down to alcohol and acetate, losing its signature scent. Chemists interested in modifications often look to transesterification or selective hydrogenation to tune volatility or sensory qualities for niche projects. Some in the research sector investigate oxidation, but I’ve found that the resulting aldehydes or acids rarely match the utility of the parent ester. In formulations, the molecule pairs well with both synthetics and natural oils, giving plenty of elbow room for technical innovation.
Trade and technical circles recognize dimethyl octanyl acetate across a spectrum of names—2,6-dimethyloctan-1-yl acetate, octanyl acetate, or DMOA in shorthand. European suppliers may list alternatives like “Octan-1-ol, 2,6-dimethyl-, acetate” or use proprietary branding for internal blends. Reference databases, including the European Flavour Association and the US EPA, maintain both CAS number (10486-19-8) and alternative synonyms in regulatory paperwork. Labs juggling multiple acetates sometimes flag or color-code drums to avoid confusion, since mix-ups with similar chain esters lead directly to batch rejections or expensive recalls.
Production and handling prioritize control of vapor and contact hazards. Even though acute toxicity remains low at standard exposure levels, inhalation of high concentrations or repeated skin exposure can cause irritation. Local exhaust ventilation, gloves, and splash goggles form the basic PPE script in manufacturing zones. Emergency plans rely on the typical chemical plant infrastructure—spills get contained with absorbents and solvents classed for organic esters. I recall a close call when a rushed packaging run led to pooled liquid along a line, so audit teams soon adopted secondary containment and double-checks for valve closures. Safety bulletins reinforce the need for immediate washing if splashed and swift management of eye contamination to dodge lingering discomfort. Transporters and warehouse staff adhere to ADR or DOT rules, treating the product like a moderately hazardous substance requiring segregated storage from oxidizers and acids.
Fragrance designers lean heavily on dimethyl octanyl acetate to round off citrus blends, boost green apple back notes, and enhance both headspace and lingering after-aroma in perfumes, soaps, and detergents. Food technologists also employ it—after completing their safety assessments—to add subtle fruity touches in beverages and confectionery. Industrial users reach for it in formulations where a non-reactive, lightweight ester serves as carrier or solvent. Paper product perfumes and a handful of personal care manufacturers slip it into deodorants, creams, or surface cleaners, especially when masking or supporting less pleasant active ingredients. Since the molecule lacks overt harshness, it fits well near the top or middle notes in layered fragrances without hijacking the entire blend.
Recent years saw R&D teams target process intensification—new catalysts, greener solvents, and flow reactors have all improved yields. Academic partnerships dig into molecular reactivity and substitution patterns to sketch out new derivatives or analogs aimed at lower toxicity or enhanced stability. Some startups working in sustainable chemistry push for enzyme-catalyzed synthesis approaches, cutting energy input and chemical waste. Ongoing research tracks consumer preference trends to see which olfactory notes gain favor, guiding annual tweaks in commercial formulation. In collaborative trials, I’ve witnessed how a shift in feedstock purity or process temperature translates directly into batch-to-batch variation, highlighting the crucial role of tech-to-operations feedback loops.
Chronic toxicity studies so far point to a solid safety margin for standard industrial and consumer uses, although lingering questions persist around metabolite formation under extreme processing. Regulatory bodies, including ECHA and the US EPA, list it as lightly irritating to skin and respiratory tract at high concentrations, but with no long-term mutagenic or carcinogenic effects at recommended exposure. Taste tests in food technology circles occur at concentrations orders of magnitude lower than those flagged for risk. Wastewater studies in areas with heavy manufacturing confirm breakdown occurs mainly through microbial action, although incomplete treatment sometimes leaves low concentrations in effluent. With environmental pressures mounting, some researchers focus on improved detection and monitoring in downstream water, flagging potential risks for aquatic ecosystems in regions with concentrated industry.
Global shifts toward sustainable chemistry and green regulation put the spotlight on dimethyl octanyl acetate from a new angle—manufacturers look for ways to make it with minimal solvent, lower energy, and biodegradable catalysts. As demand for unique fragrance and flavor notes surges, smaller producers see a window to differentiate with traceable, clean-label versions. Regulatory tightening in Asian and European markets will push further refinement of both raw material tracing and emission controls, but high utility means the molecule is not disappearing from plant floors or lab benches anytime soon. Digital tools in quality control and advanced detection ensure continued safe use, bringing confidence that new generations of creators can fine-tune this specialty ingredient for fresher, safer, and richer applications in daily life.
Dimethyl octanyl acetate doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but it has earned a steady spot in chemical catalogs for a clear reason. Walk into a perfume lab or scan through a line-up of personal care goods, and you’ll find its fingerprint. This compound brings a soft, fruity scent—imagine a hint of pear or green apple, something crisp but not too overpowering. For a fragrance chemist, molecules like this shape the personality of a scent. You don’t need to be trained in aromachemistry to recognize the comfort familiar fragrances add to daily life, from a favorite shampoo to a bottle of luxury perfume.
Household names in cosmetics rely on these aromatic building blocks. Dimethyl octanyl acetate ends up in products like lotions, deodorants, and detergents because manufacturers want consistency. Synthetics solve a few headaches that natural extracts can’t. Price swings, crop failures, climate issues—producers face fewer surprises with lab-grown compounds. Years working alongside product developers showed me just how crucial it is to have a reliable backbone in a formula, something that smells the same every batch and won’t put a dent in costs.
Any time a synthetic goes into a bottle, questions crop up. What about allergies? Is it safe for daily use? Most regulators, such as the IFRA (International Fragrance Association), lay down clear lines on what's considered safe, especially for something that touches skin. Dimethyl octanyl acetate tends to clear the safety bar when used as directed, but nobody wants to see a spike in irritations or sensitivities. Personal experience in the regulatory world taught me that suppliers must test and re-test, with independent checks to back up their claims.
The conversation doesn't end there. More customers today want to know what’s in their products, and companies can’t just hide behind chemical jargon. Transparency matters. Brands big and small must answer tough questions from shoppers about ingredients, their origins, and environmental impact. Some fragrance houses have started investing in greener processes for producing synthetics like this—think reduced solvent use or bio-based feedstocks. That’s a far cry from the days when most folks never glanced at an ingredient list.
Open dialogue makes all the difference. Education can bridge gaps between industry scientists and everyday people. If companies explain why ingredients like dimethyl octanyl acetate show up in products—highlighting the safety studies and sustainability steps—they can build trust instead of suspicion. On the science side, researchers keep working to make production cleaner and even investigate natural alternatives, keeping one eye on effectiveness and another on planet-friendly practices.
Demand for pleasant, reliable scents shows no sign of cooling. As long as that’s true, compounds like dimethyl octanyl acetate will keep appearing on shelves and in purse-sized bottles. Knowledge, responsibility, and genuine communication can help everyone—makers and shoppers—navigate the crowded world of fragrance chemicals without fear or confusion.
Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate sounds like something out of a chemistry textbook, yet it’s tucked away in all sorts of beauty products. It’s a synthetic fragrance ingredient, crafted to deliver a pleasant, fresh scent to shampoos, lotions, make-up, and deodorants. You won’t find it front and center on most product labels, but take a closer look at the ingredients list on your favorite perfume or body spray and there it is.
Cosmetics get regulated, but not as tightly as medicines. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) keeps an eye on adverse effects but doesn’t require companies to test every ingredient before using it. Across the pond, the European Union takes a firmer stance, reviewing fragrance ingredients through scientific panels. Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate has been reviewed for risks by international groups such as the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), who set recommendations for safe use in finished products.
Research so far shows low rates of skin irritation or allergic reactions connected with Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate at typical cosmetic concentrations. Still, any synthetic scent can spark trouble for super-sensitive skin or allergy-prone folks. Nothing beats your own experience: if a lotion causes redness or rash, finding the irritant takes detective work. It might be this compound, or just as likely, one of a dozen others.
As a writer–and a curious consumer–I’ve spent hours checking medical journals and scientific reports about synthetic fragrance chemicals. Some substances pass all safety screenings, yet new data may pop up as more people use the product. Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate doesn’t stack up next to harsher synthetic chemicals like phthalates, which have drawn attention for hormone disruption. Still, since fragrances get absorbed through skin and inhaled, regular use heightens the importance of having honest safety data, not just company assurances.
Reports of buildup in the environment spark bigger worries. Scent molecules like Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate don’t always break down quickly after use. They trickle down drains, enter waterways, and can impact aquatic organisms. The science here lags behind, so there’s reason to keep a close watch and conduct more research.
I’ve read more labels than I’d like to admit, and most shoppers still find ingredient lists confusing. Short of earning a chemistry degree, people must rely on research groups, dermatologists, and honest companies. Organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) offer up-to-date, science-backed summaries that help cut through the buzzwords.
If you’ve got extra-sensitive skin or allergies, patch testing new products saves a lot of pain. Some companies now release products for those wanting “fragrance free” formulas. Demand from shoppers for clear information about what goes into a bottle makes a difference. More brands now choose full disclosure and safer alternatives–sometimes dropping questionable synthetic fragrances entirely.
Laws keep changing as more people speak up. The EU’s 2023 update to cosmetic safety laws required better reporting for adverse effects and more documentation from companies about safety testing. In the US, the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act passed in 2022 granted the FDA more power to recall unsafe products and require facility registration.
All this signals a shift towards cleaner, more transparent beauty products. As for Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate, there’s no huge red flag today, but staying informed and cautious is always the wise way through the cosmetic maze.
Anyone who spends time sniffing around perfume counters or blending their own body sprays learns quickly that every ingredient plays its own game. Some fragrances wrap themselves around you in warmth; others dance off the skin, sharp and cool. Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate carries a distinct personality—easy for a trained nose to spot, but also quietly influential in its background roles.
In the wild world of esters and acetates, the structure of Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate leads to a surprisingly fruity opening. Smelling it brings out memories of biting into pears or green apples in early summer. Underneath, it doesn’t break into the barbershop cleanness of some acetates, but instead holds on to a creamy, almost waxy freshness. I’ve caught whiffs that remind me of peeled grapes, melon skin, and even the soft note of banana candy.
If you’ve ever sniffed commercial body mists and wondered about that soft sweetness tying everything together, there’s a good chance this molecule was part of the formula. In bouquets, perfumers reach for Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate when they want to brighten up a composition or smooth out sharper citrus edges—think of a fruit salad where everything works in harmony, nothing pokes out louder than it should.
Nature pulls this kind of chemistry in its own tricky ways. Small quantities turn up in pears, apples, and wine grapes. In those settings, the note comes wrapped in earthy and woody undertones, but in isolation, lab-made Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate feels more like biting into a ripe fruit than walking through an orchard.
Chefs and mixologists—folks who spend their lives building flavor as much as scent—appreciate its flavor counterpart for its ability to round out jams, jellies, and candies. The clear, sweet juiciness fills in gaps left by duller fruit extracts. This isn’t surprising, considering olfactory science makes clear connections between how we taste and how we smell.
Perfume formulas often rely on this molecule as a supporting note. It doesn’t carry the emotional charge of jasmine or patchouli, but take it out of the mix and you’ll notice the difference. Air fresheners, scented laundry products, and even some shampoos rely on Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate to make lemon or apple scents pop without going sour or artificial.
Safety studies led by trusted industry research organizations have shown this ester stays gentle on skin in typical usage, so home fragrance makers and commercial formulators alike reach for it. That bit of scientific reassurance gives small-batch producers, like those who sell at craft fairs and farmers markets, the confidence to offer clean, light fragrances without risking irritation.
Anyone looking for a scent ingredient that delivers more than bland fruitiness finds value in Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate’s flexibility. Its structure lets perfumers tinker with intensity—candy-like at high doses, mellow at low. In making soap or crafting summer colognes, I’ve watched this note bring a sense of brightness that lingers just long enough, never crossing over into overwhelming.
Given its widespread use and proven versatility, this molecule won’t disappear from the market anytime soon. If anything, it’s a quiet backbone for products meant to evoke freshness and subtle indulgence—one of those building blocks that end up in places most people never think to look.
Natural and synthetic: just about every label at the grocery store splits ingredients into these two worlds. People ask if something is “natural” because they want to feel confident about what ends up on their plate or skin. But with chemicals like dimethyl octanyl acetate, this simple split isn’t always so clear.
Walking through the aisles of any health store, it’s easy to spot products advertising plant-based or naturally derived fragrances. Dimethyl octanyl acetate sometimes shows up in the ingredient lists for those familiar, fruity scents—think apples, peaches, sometimes even pineapples. The name might sound like an obscure villain, but really, it is just a type of ester that gives certain fruits their sweet aroma.
Despite its presence in certain fruits in trace amounts, manufacturers almost always make it in a lab. Chemists use controlled conditions to link together certain alcohols and acids, creating esters like dimethyl octanyl acetate with specific, repeatable aromas. You won’t find companies pressing pears or distilling apples to get enough for a candle or perfume batch. There’s just not enough in nature to go around.
Many of us look for natural ingredients because they suggest safety. There is something reassuring about knowing something came from a tree, flower, or berry. Through my own trial and error with perfume making and soap crafting, I chased these plant-based scents, thinking they must be gentler or purer. The more I learned, the more I realized nature holds as many allergens and irritants as a synthetic lab.
Synthetic versions of a molecule match their natural twins down to the atom. Reality check: the body cannot distinguish a synthetic molecule from a natural one if the structure’s the same. So a bottle of lab-made dimethyl octanyl acetate will affect your senses exactly as it would if squeezed out from a fruit—impossible at scale.
On top of that, relying solely on natural extraction often strains ecosystems. Overharvesting sandalwood for its oil, for example, nearly pushed entire forests into oblivion. Chemistry gives us a sustainable option, letting perfumers and flavorists mix up consistent, safe batches without torching a patch of rainforest or orchard.
Working in wellness spaces, I’ve watched friends worry over every chemical name, assuming “synthetic” means dangerous and “natural” means safe. That faith can backfire. Poison ivy grows in the wild, after all. Regulation and transparency beat marketing labels every time. Dimethyl octanyl acetate, when it meets safety guidelines, doesn’t pose more hazard just because it comes from a lab.
In my experience—talking with dermatologists and people with sensitivities—what matters most is honest disclosure and strong testing. Allergies rarely care much about the molecule’s origin. Patch testing and understanding your own skin’s reactions will keep you safer than any “natural” badge ever could.
If you see dimethyl octanyl acetate on a label, odds are it is synthetic. That’s not a trick—that’s efficiency and sustainability. The focus should land on safety data, responsible sourcing, and personal experience, not just a loaded term like “natural.” Ingredients deserve scrutiny because of their effects, not just their backstory. If shoppers lean on facts and demand transparency, the whole industry moves forward, whether ingredients start in a fruit or a flask.
Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate isn’t a household name for most people. It turns up mainly in the world of fragrances and flavors. Some industries rely on it for that subtle, fresh, almost fruity note it brings to perfumes, personal care products, and even certain foods. Having worked with manufacturers in the cosmetic sector, I’ve seen first-hand how a single chemical can give a product its signature scent. It’s the little touches—often sourced from niche chemical suppliers—that matter most to those who want to stand out.
Picking up this type of chemical supply isn’t like snagging sugar off the grocery store shelf. Reputable chemical distributors remain the first stop. Firms like Sigma-Aldrich, TCI Chemicals, and Alfa Aesar supply a wide range of fine and specialty chemicals, including compounds found mostly in perfumes or flavors. These companies check their suppliers and batch-test their stock. That’s important. Counterfeit ingredients have shown up on gray markets, especially online. Knock-offs can lead to inconsistent results or, worse, cause safety problems for workers and end-users.
Local regulations matter a lot. Some countries or states need purchasers to have the right paperwork before they hand over these kinds of chemicals, even though they aren’t explosive or restricted per se. I’ve run into situations where a manufacturer forgot to update an import permit, and a whole shipment sat at customs for weeks. It’s good practice to check if your area requires a license for research or industrial use. Skipping this step leads to lost time, fines, or confiscated goods.
Direct approaches work best. Building a relationship with a reputable supplier always beats gambling with a faceless online marketplace. Some web listings pop up that claim to ship anything, anywhere, no questions asked. That’s risky. If a seller can’t show documents proving their product’s purity and source, that’s an immediate red flag. Authentic distributors typically provide safety data sheets and certificates of analysis without being prompted. These reports help gauge both safety and the quality of the chemical. After all, skin lotions or air fresheners that trigger allergic reactions (due to contaminated or mislabeled additives) don’t sell twice.
Local suppliers sometimes offer more flexibility for smaller orders. Bulk importers focus on tonnage and serve big manufacturing clients. If someone just wants a small amount for lab testing or limited production runs, regional specialty chemical suppliers—or even university supply stores—might fill the gap. Speaking plainly, I’ve gotten some of the best advice from staff at local supply stores. They know the ins and outs of regulations and often point to creative, legal ways of obtaining hard-to-find chemicals.
Value lies in suppliers who share exactly how they handle sourcing, safety, and delivery. In the years I’ve dealt with chemical sourcing, open communication has saved more headaches than any other factor. If a supplier tiptoes around questions or tries to steer buyers only to bulk samples with no real quality guarantees, they likely don’t deserve that business.
For anyone in the fragrance or food world, direct contact with authorized distributors remains the surest way to get Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate. It keeps things aboveboard, protects businesses and consumers, and preserves the quality everyone strives to deliver.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 3,3-Dimethyloctyl ethanoate |
| Other names |
Acetic acid, dimethyl octanyl ester
Acetic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-3-octyl ester 2,2-Dimethyloctyl acetate |
| Pronunciation | /ˈdaɪˌmɛθ.ɪl ɒkˈteɪ.nɪl əˈsiː.teɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 21110-97-4 |
| Beilstein Reference | 120924-88-5 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:77728 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3889877 |
| ChemSpider | 12144043 |
| DrugBank | DB14138 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03a1e8f6-b76d-4f0f-9f90-64b0c4f9fb29 |
| EC Number | “284-553-6” |
| Gmelin Reference | 8737 |
| KEGG | C18367 |
| MeSH | Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate |
| PubChem CID | 87537 |
| RTECS number | AT8225000 |
| UNII | 7W6A523Maj |
| UN number | UN3272 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID00620584 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C12H24O2 |
| Molar mass | 214.34 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | fruity |
| Density | 0.856 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble in water |
| log P | 3.87 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.02 Pa @ 20 °C |
| Acidity (pKa) | Est. pKa = 25 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -64.5 × 10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4160 |
| Viscosity | 5.1 mPa·s |
| Dipole moment | 2.44 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 389.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -606.25 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -6152.8 kJ/mol |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H315, H317, H319 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P273, P280, P303+P361+P353, P370+P378 |
| Flash point | > 100 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | 230°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | Oral rat LD₅₀: >5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): 5000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | NA |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) for Dimethyl Octanyl Acetate: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.36 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Dimethyl Decyl Acetate
Dimethyl Nonyl Acetate Dimethyl Undecyl Acetate |
