Methyl Dioxolan: A Fruity–Florally Balanced Compound Shaping Modern Fragrance Design

Galbora
Dec 15, 2025
4 min read

Introduction to Methyl Dioxolan

Methyl Dioxolan, scientifically known as Ethyl 2-(2-methyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-yl)acetate, is a synthetic aroma chemical that plays a notable role in contemporary fragrance formulation. Widely utilized across the fragrance and personal care industries, this compound is valued for its ability to deliver a refined balance between fruity freshness and soft floral elegance.

Characterized by a distinctive fruity, green apple, and jasmine-like scent profile, Methyl Dioxolan blends seamlessly into fruity–floral accords. Its versatility allows perfumers to employ it in a broad range of applications, including soaps, detergents, toiletries, fabric care products, and fine fragrances. Although it does not occur naturally, its chemical stability, consistency, and olfactive adaptability make it a dependable ingredient in formulations designed for both performance and longevity.

Chemical Structure and Physicochemical Properties

Methyl Dioxolan possesses the molecular formula C₈H₁₄O₄ and a molecular weight of 174.20 g/mol. Its molecular architecture plays a direct role in shaping its olfactory behavior, contributing to both diffusion and scent clarity.

Physically, the compound appears as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, making it easy to handle and incorporate into fragrance bases. With a flash point of 92°C, it offers a relatively safe handling profile for use in consumer products.

Chemically, Methyl Dioxolan is also identified under the synonym Ethyl 2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-acetate. Its CLogP value of 1.30 indicates moderate hydrophobicity, a property that allows it to integrate efficiently into diverse formulation systems while maintaining balance within the overall scent composition.

The Role of Methyl Dioxolan in Fragrance Formulations

Fruity and Floral Olfactive Appeal

Methyl Dioxolan is primarily employed to construct and enhance fruity–floral fragrance profiles. It introduces a crisp, fresh, green apple note layered with gentle floral nuances reminiscent of jasmine. In addition to these characteristics, subtle melon-like facets add brightness and lightness, making the compound especially suitable for modern, refreshing scent concepts.

Because of this olfactive versatility, it is commonly used in soaps, liquid detergents, fabric softeners, and personal care products where a clean, uplifting aroma is desired.

Longevity and Diffusion Performance

One of the defining advantages of Methyl Dioxolan is its contribution to fragrance longevity and diffusion. The molecule adds body and tenacity to compositions, allowing scents to remain perceptible over extended periods.

This performance is particularly valuable in applications exposed to challenging conditions such as water, heat, and fluctuating pH levels. As a result, fragrances containing Methyl Dioxolan maintain their presence and character throughout product use.

Stability Across Product Categories

The stability of Methyl Dioxolan varies depending on formulation pH. It demonstrates strong performance in:

Fine fragrances
Fabric softeners (pH ~3)
Toiletry products (pH ~6)

In contrast, its stability decreases in more alkaline environments, such as liquid detergents with pH 9 or bleaching products with pH 14. In fabric care applications, the molecule shows good substantivity on wet fabric, though its effect is reduced on dry fabric and skin.

Occurrence in Nature and Synthesis

Unlike many aroma compounds derived from botanical sources, Methyl Dioxolan does not occur naturally. It is produced entirely through synthetic chemical processes.

This synthetic origin allows for precise control over purity, consistency, and supply. As a result, manufacturers can reliably incorporate Methyl Dioxolan into fragrance formulations while maintaining predictable performance and olfactive quality across production batches.

Applications and Use in Fragrance Creations

In fragrance formulations, Methyl Dioxolan is typically used at concentrations below 20%. Even at relatively low levels, its diffusive nature ensures even distribution in the air, contributing to a smooth and continuous scent experience.

Its combination of fruity, floral, and melon-like characteristics enables perfumers to use it across both personal care and household product categories, reinforcing freshness and modernity in fragrance design.

Performance in Different Product Types

Fine Fragrances:Performs well in classic perfume structures, contributing a fruity–floral base with moderate longevity.
Toiletries and Soaps:Provides a stable, long-lasting fruity aroma in formulations with pH values around 6.
Detergents and Fabric Softeners:Shows optimal performance in pH 3 environments, enhancing fragrance impact in laundry care products.
Alkaline Products (pH 9 and above):Displays reduced stability and efficacy in highly alkaline formulations such as liquid detergents and bleach.

Technical Data Overview

CAS No.: 6413-10-1
FEMA No.: 4477
Flash Point: 92°C
Molecular Weight: 174.20 g/mol
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Vapor Pressure: 18.10 Pa at 25°C
GC Purity: 99% minimum as Methyl Dioxolan
Typical Use Level: <20%

Conclusion

Methyl Dioxolan stands out as a key synthetic ingredient in modern fragrance development. Its balanced fruity–floral profile, combined with reliable diffusion, longevity, and formulation versatility, makes it an indispensable tool for perfumers working across a wide range of product categories.

By offering nature-inspired freshness alongside the consistency and control of synthetic chemistry, Methyl Dioxolan continues to support innovation in perfumery. As fragrance design evolves, compounds like this remain essential in creating scents that are both appealing and technically dependable.

This article was researched and written by Galbora.

Use of this content is permitted when citing the source.