Nopyl Acetate A Versatile Woody-Fruity Ingredient in Modern Fragrance Formulation

Galbora
Jan 16
3 min read

Introduction To Nopyl Acetate

Nopyl Acetate is a widely used synthetic fragrance ingredient valued for its balanced woody, fruity, sweet, and slightly floral olfactive character. Thanks to its good stability, diffusion, and compatibility with many fragrance families, it plays an important role in both fine fragrances and functional perfumery.

It is particularly appreciated for adding natural freshness and smooth woody sweetness, making compositions more rounded and harmonious.

Chemical & Physical Profile

Chemical name: (1R,5S)-2-(6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-en-2-yl)ethyl acetate
CAS Number: 35836-72-7
Molecular formula: C₁₃H₂₀O₂
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor strength: Medium
Volatility: Low to medium
Flash point: ~95 °C

Nopyl Acetate is not found in nature and is produced exclusively through chemical synthesis, ensuring consistent quality and performance.

Olfactive Profile

Nopyl Acetate offers a smooth, clean and natural-smelling woody note, enriched by subtle fruity and sweet facets.

Key odor descriptors

Woody – soft, natural, slightly resinous
Fruity – fresh, pear-like nuances
Sweet – gentle, rounded sweetness
Floral – light and supportive, never dominant

This olfactive profile allows Nopyl Acetate to blend effortlessly into compositions without overpowering other ingredients, making it ideal for creating modern, transparent fragrances.

Position in the Fragrance Pyramid

Nopyl Acetate typically performs best in:

Heart notes
Heart-to-base transitions

Its moderate volatility helps smooth the transition between fresh top notes and deeper base notes, contributing to a well-balanced and cohesive fragrance structure.

Role in Fragrance Formulation

In perfumery, Nopyl Acetate serves several important functions:

✔ Acts as a bridge between fruity, floral, and woody accords

✔ Enhances natural freshness in citrus and fougère compositions

✔ Softens sharp notes and adds roundness and elegance

✔ Improves diffusion and overall harmony of the formula

✔ Supports long-lasting woody impressions without heaviness

Because of its versatility, it is often used as a background material that subtly improves the overall olfactive impression.

Applications

Fine Fragrance

Eau de Cologne, Eau de Toilette, Eau de Parfum
Particularly effective in citrus, fougère, aromatic, and woody fragrances
Adds softness and naturalness to masculine and unisex scents

Personal Care Products

Shampoos and conditioners
Shower gels and liquid soaps
Deodorants and body sprays

Its clean woody-fruity character makes it ideal for daily-use products.

Home & Functional Fragrances

Air fresheners and fabric care products
Household cleaners with citrus or herbal profiles
Softens aggressive detergent bases and improves consumer appeal

Performance & Stability

Property	Description
Diffusivity	Good, evenly spreading
Substantivity	Moderate to good
Blotter longevity	Several days
pH stability	Stable from pH 3 to 10
Heat stability	Suitable for most processing conditions
Typical usage level	Usually below 10% of the fragrance compound

⚠ In extremely alkaline systems (e.g. powder detergents), partial degradation may occur.

Blending Suggestions

Nopyl Acetate blends particularly well with:

Citrus notes (bergamot, lemon, orange)
Aromatic materials (lavender, rosemary, clary sage)
Woody notes (cedarwood, sandalwood, Iso E Super)
Floral materials (lily-of-the-valley, jasmine bases)
Green and fougère accords

Its compatibility makes it a valuable building block in complex multi-layered compositions.

Key Advantages

Clean, natural-smelling woody profile
Excellent versatility across fragrance categories
Enhances freshness without adding sharpness
Improves balance and smoothness of compositions
Suitable for both fine fragrance and functional perfumery

Conclusion

Nopyl Acetate is a highly adaptable and reliable fragrance ingredient that delivers a refined woody-fruity sweetness with excellent blending properties. Its ability to connect citrus freshness, floral elegance, and woody depth makes it a valuable tool for perfumers aiming to create modern, well-balanced, and commercially appealing fragrances.

This article was researched and written by Galbora.

Use of this content is permitted when citing the source.