Amyl Salicylate belongs to the class of salicylic acid esters, known for its sweet floral aroma with hints of balsamic notes. As a liquid at room temperature, it ranges from colorless to pale yellow and brings a gentle, pleasant fragrance that marks its strong presence in perfumery and cosmetics. Its appeal reaches established brands and smaller manufacturers alike since its scent closely mimics natural floral and herbal aromas. Chemically, the structure is defined by the ester linkage between amyl alcohol and salicylic acid. The molecular formula for this chemical is C12H16O3, with a molar mass of 208.25 g/mol. For businesses involved in trade, the HS Code generally falls under 291821.
The substance appears typically as a clear oily liquid, although in some colder environments or concentrated forms, it may solidify, producing flakes or small crystals. Its melting point sits close to -8°C, and it starts to boil at around 309°C. Amyl Salicylate does not dissolve easily in water, but it mixes well in alcohol, oils, and other organic solvents, which makes it valuable for fragrances, soaps, and personal care products. In industrial practice, I have handled it mostly in drums or smaller bottles, and sometimes the material arrives as a viscous fluid rather than true powder or solid. The density measures about 1.08 g/cm³. These characteristics make it easy to handle for blending, pouring, and storage in typical chemical warehousing environments.
Commercial Amyl Salicylate is usually supplied at purities above 98%. The liquid presents a refractive index of about 1.515 to 1.520 at 20°C, which helps quality control teams quickly determine substance identity. Chemists design its synthesis by combining salicylic acid with amyl alcohol, leading to an esterification reaction. Structurally, the molecule holds an aromatic ring from the salicylate and a five-carbon straight-chain from the amyl group, which accounts for its balance of substantive and volatile notes in fragrance blends. During lab testing, both infrared spectrometry and gas chromatography offer standard checks against compositional mistakes or contamination.
In the manufacturing world, Amyl Salicylate ranks as a classic raw material for perfumers and beauty product contractors. Its ability to endure high processing temperatures without breaking down makes it a “workhorse” in fragrance creation. From my own experience, storage conditions really matter. Direct sunlight or peaks in ambient temperature can accelerate oxidation, resulting in changes in fragrance or slight color shifts. For anyone managing a mixing facility, sealed steel or high-density PE containers kept in dry, cool rooms serve best for shelf life and workplace safety. Certain batches may come in smaller glass bottles for laboratory or specialty use. Leaks, spills, or exposure should be cleaned quickly since the substance causes mild skin and eye irritation.
People handle Amyl Salicylate routinely in labs and factories, but it still qualifies as a hazardous chemical on several safety documents. Tasks involving Amyl Salicylate require gloves, goggles, and good local ventilation because inhaling its vapor or splashing it into the eyes causes discomfort or minor injury. According to the GHS (Globally Harmonized System), it receives warnings about skin and respiratory irritation. Spills on the skin should be washed off with soap and water. Fire precautions matter because, like most aromatic esters, it can ignite at high temperatures — the flashpoint rests around 125°C. If a workplace stores Amyl Salicylate above typical consumer levels, fire extinguishers and proper spill kits should always sit nearby. Importers and exporters shipping significant quantities track documentation to meet customs and environmental requirements; the HS Code referenced above becomes vital here.
Within the fragrance, cosmetic, and household product sectors, Amyl Salicylate continues to fill a tough role: providing a stable, recognizable floral scent profile that lasts beyond the first spray or application. As a raw material, it satisfies both technical and sensory preferences, anchoring more fleeting top notes in perfumes or masking less desirable aromas in cleaning goods. My first project with Amyl Salicylate involved crafting a soap in which it complemented sharp citrus oils, rounding out their edge and extending shelf life with minimal cost increase. Robust production and efficient shipping remain essential, especially for smaller businesses looking to achieve synthetic consistency without the supply risk of botanical extracts. Its safety profile poses less danger than many similar compounds, though sensible precautions and oversight remain standard practice.
Supply chain professionals and researchers alike run up against regulations on synthetic aroma chemicals. Evolving standards in the EU and other markets place scrutiny on compounds for allergenicity and environmental impact. Here, improved traceability and better analytical quality controls keep Amyl Salicylate in use. Recyclers and manufacturers benefit by introducing closed-loop systems for container management, further reducing environmental risk. Researchers explore new variants with lower volatility and reduced allergen potential, promising a future where Amyl Salicylate’s strengths endure alongside tighter regulations. On the ground, workplace training in chemical handling and proper ventilation technology can drop the frequency of mild accidents by a significant margin—a lesson many of us have learned after an accidental splash or spill.
People working in the scent and substance industry expect more constant updates to material safety data sheets and tighter customs screening for imported aromatic chemicals. Small manufacturers can jump ahead by retaining up-to-date hazard labeling and aligning with new GHS code modifications, while larger players often invest in cross-border tracking and air quality monitoring systems. Both groups see value in shifting more inventory management to specialized chemical logistics partners. With public awareness over fragrance safety on the rise, open data about the exact composition and regular disclosure around source materials build lasting trust. For the foreseeable future, Amyl Salicylate will retain its place as a foundational ingredient in scent-driven products, supported by a culture of practical safety and open information sharing.
