What Is Dimethyl Anthranilate?
Dimethyl Anthranilate is an aroma chemical created to add a floral glow to fragrances. The best known source comes from Givaudan, although other suppliers offer comparable grades under different trade names. The material is usually prepared by esterifying anthranilic acid with methanol, then purified to remove by-products so the final liquid stays clean and stable.
At room temperature it appears as a clear liquid that can pick up the slightest yellow tint over time. Viscosity is low so it pours easily, which makes weighing and blending simple in the lab or studio.
Perfumers reach for this ingredient when they want the effect of methyl anthranilate but with better color stability. Because it resists forming dark complexes with aldehydes it helps keep finished juice bright even in citrus or cologne formulas.
Usage is fairly common in floral bouquets, fougères and gourmand twists. You will also see it in functional products such as shampoos and fabric conditioners where it survives alkaline conditions without breaking down. Unopened drums hold quality for roughly two to three years if stored well.
Cost sits in the mid range. It is not a luxury captive, yet it is more specialized than standard citrus terpenes, so most creative budgets can accommodate it without issue.
Dimethyl Anthranilate’s Scent Description
This molecule lives in the floral family. Off a blotter the opening gives a sweet orange blossom impression that quickly walks into neroli territory. Underneath sits a soft mandarin note that lends a playful fruit nuance rather than sharp zest.
The accord feels round and velvety. There is none of the “grapey” facet that methyl anthranilate sometimes shows. Instead you get a smooth white-petal vibe laced with gentle candy warmth.
In the classic top, middle and base framework Dimethyl Anthranilate is a true heart note. It rises a few minutes after the most volatile citrus has flashed off, then stays present for several hours before fading into the base.
Projection is moderate. It will float a friendly aura around the wearer without shouting across the room. On a scent strip expect discernible odor for about a day which lines up with its technical blotter rating.
How & Where To Use Dimethyl Anthranilate
Perfumers reach for Dimethyl Anthranilate when a formula needs the gentle honeyed glow of orange blossom without the indolic heft that some natural absolutes bring. It slips neatly into neroli accords, brightens mandarin top notes and can soften sharp aldehydes in white floral themes. In fruity florals a small touch pulls citrus and grape nuances together giving a rounded sweet core.
Use levels generally sit between traces and 1 percent in fine fragrance where transparency matters. Functional products such as liquid soaps or fabric conditioners often tolerate up to 3 percent, taking advantage of its bloom in water based bases. At 4 to 5 percent the note turns overtly grapey and can dominate lighter materials so moderation is wise.
Concentration changes its character. Below 0.5 percent you will notice a fresh neroli lift. Around 1 percent the mandarin facet becomes more obvious adding juicy depth. Push beyond 2 percent and the sweetness intensifies, edging toward confectionery and masking delicate florals nearby.
Overuse risks a cloying candy effect and can clash with crisp citrus top notes. It may also shorten the life of sparkling aldehydes if dosed too high because its warmth muffles their fizz. Always test in dilution, then build up gradually while smelling on skin or substrate to catch any imbalance early.
No special equipment is needed beyond the usual lab basics. The material pours easily but benefits from a 10 percent ethanol or dipropylene glycol solution for precise pipetting. Because it is lipophilic it dissolves smoothly in most perfume bases yet a quick pre mix ensures streak free blending in high water or surfactant systems.
Safely Using Dimethyl Anthranilate
Dilution is key so prepare a 10 percent solution before evaluation. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle to protect the mucous membranes. Work in a well ventilated space or under a fume hood to limit inhalation of concentrated vapors. Gloves and safety glasses add a simple barrier against accidental splashes.
As with many aroma chemicals prolonged skin contact can cause irritation or sensitization in susceptible individuals. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a healthcare professional before regular handling. Short low level exposure is generally considered safe yet extended contact with higher concentrations may pose health risks.
In case of accidental skin contact wash with mild soap and water. If eye exposure occurs rinse thoroughly with clean water and seek medical advice if discomfort persists. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to reduce evaporation and maintain product integrity.
Always review the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor as updates appear over time. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage levels within each product category to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Dimethyl Anthranilate
Dimethyl Anthranilate keeps its fresh floral profile longest when the bottle lives in a cool dark spot away from direct sunlight or heat. A refrigerator dedicated to fragrance materials is helpful but not essential as long as the room stays below about 20 °C. Sudden temperature swings can stress the liquid so aim for steady conditions.
Choose bottles that close with polycone caps because the cone forms a tight seal that limits air exchange. Dropper tops look handy yet they allow slow evaporation and can leak, so reserve them for short term use only. Whenever practical fill containers close to the top to cut down the headspace where oxygen gathers and oxidation starts.
Label every bottle clearly with the name, CAS number and any hazard icons, then keep the same information on any working dilutions. Good labeling prevents mix-ups and helps anyone who handles your materials follow the correct safety steps.
Store the ingredient apart from strong acids, bases or bleaches that could react and spoil its scent. Keep it out of reach of children and pets and always tighten caps immediately after pouring.
When a batch is no longer fit for use dimethyl anthranilate can usually be classed as readily biodegradable. Small hobby-scale residues can often be flushed with plenty of warm soapy water if local regulations allow. For larger volumes, absorb the liquid onto inert material such as sand or vermiculite, place in a sealed container and hand it to a licensed chemical waste handler. Rinse empty bottles, let them dry then recycle or dispose of them according to local guidelines.
Summary
Dimethyl Anthranilate is a cost-friendly synthetic ester that delivers a gentle orange blossom neroli and mandarin glow. It steps in where natural absolutes feel too heavy and lends body to floral hearts in fine fragrance, soaps and fabric care. Stability with aldehydes and resistance to discoloration have earned it a regular spot on the perfumer’s bench.
Performance is moderate with about a day of life on a blotter, which suits formulas needing lift without lingering sweetness. Keep oxidation in mind by storing it cool and full, and dose with care so the note stays floral rather than candy-like.
Givaudan offers the benchmark grade yet the same CAS 85-91-6 is sold by other aroma houses, making bulk sourcing straightforward. Smaller volumes for trials or hobby projects can be picked up from specialist resellers that split commercial drums into user-friendly sizes.