What Is Methyl Anthranilate?
Methyl Anthranilate is an aroma chemical first identified in the late nineteenth century when chemists were busy cataloging the scent molecules behind flowers and fruits. Today it is made on an industrial scale by combining anthranilic acid with methanol in a controlled reaction, a process that produces a highly pure material suitable for perfumery. While the molecule also occurs naturally in certain citrus blossoms and grapes the form used by perfumers is chiefly synthetic so supply remains steady and consistent in quality.
At room temperature you will usually see a clear to very slightly yellow liquid that pours easily, although in a cool warehouse it can thicken into soft crystals that melt again as soon as the bottle warms up. The liquid is stable enough for everyday fragrance manufacturing and handles well in the lab without giving off heavy fumes.
Formulators reach for Methyl Anthranilate quite often because it fills a specific niche that few other materials match. It appears in fine fragrance but also in shampoos, soaps, candles and even laundry products, showing that it can survive both gentle and more demanding bases. Despite its wide use it does not sit in the premium price tier, so brands can add a generous dose without pushing costs out of line.
What Does Methyl Anthranilate Smell Like?
This ingredient sits firmly in the floral family. On a blotter the opening is a burst of sweet grape that immediately calls to mind purple candy, yet within seconds a soft orange blossom note drifts in adding a more natural floral feel. As the minutes pass a hint of neroli appears, giving a slightly green edge that keeps the sweetness from becoming syrupy. By the half-hour mark the profile settles into a gentle blend of grape skin, honeyed petals and a light berry nuance.
Perfumers group notes into top, middle and base depending on how fast they evaporate. Methyl Anthranilate falls squarely into the middle, meaning it starts to shine once the brightest top notes begin to fade and it stays present for several hours before the deeper fixatives take over.
Projection tends to be moderate. It pushes out enough scent to be noticed but seldom overwhelms nearby noses, making it friendly for personal care products and fine fragrance alike. Longevity on skin or fabric is respectable for a mid-note, typically lingering four to six hours before slipping into the background.
How & Where To Use Methyl Anthranilate
Most perfumers would say this molecule is a pleasure to handle. It stays put on the blotter, is not overly stinky in concentrated form and does not gum up glassware. That easygoing nature makes it a handy building block in both the creative and production stages.
In a formula it shines whenever you need a juicy grape or orange-flower effect that reads both playful and floral. A few drops can round out a neroli accord, brighten a tuberose heart or give a candy twist to berry themes. When a jasmine composition feels a little too straight-laced, adding a trace level of Methyl Anthranilate often lends a welcoming sweetness that opens it up.
Perfumers reach for it over comparable materials like dihydro linalool or synthetic grape esters when they want more lift in the mid-note and a clearer tie to orange blossom. It also blends exceptionally well with ionones, heliotropin and fruity aldehydes, allowing lively purple-tinged accords that work in modern fine fragrance and functional products.
Typical inclusion ranges from tiny traces up to about 5 percent of the concentrate. Below 0.3 percent it simply polishes a floral heart. Between 0.5 and 2 percent the grape facet becomes obvious and the material starts to dominate light petals. Push it toward the upper end and you risk tipping the scent into grape bubblegum territory which can be charming in shower gel or candles but may feel unsophisticated in a luxury perfume.
Because it is only slightly soluble in water you will want to premix it into alcohol or a suitable solvent before adding it to aqueous bases. No other special prep is required, just the usual good lab practice of weighing neatly and capping the bottle right after use to limit air exposure.
Safely Information
Working safely with any aroma chemical means taking a few simple precautions at the bench every time.
- Dilute before evaluation: prepare a 1 to 10 percent solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol so you can judge the scent accurately without overwhelming your nose
- Avoid direct sniffing: never stick your nose over the open bottle, waft diluted vapour toward you instead
- Good ventilation: blend and evaluate in a fume hood or well-aired room to keep airborne concentration low
- Protective gear: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to prevent accidental skin or eye contact
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience skin irritation or sensitisation, consult a healthcare professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding, brief low-level exposure is generally safe but extended or high-concentration exposure can pose health risks
Always consult the current safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and recheck it periodically for updates, and follow any IFRA guidelines that apply to ensure your finished product remains within accepted safety limits.
Storage And Disposal
When stored correctly Methyl Anthranilate usually stays in specification for around two years, sometimes longer, before the scent begins to flatten or pick up faint off notes.
Refrigeration is not essential but does slow oxidation and extends shelf life, especially in warm climates. If a fridge is not available keep the bottle in a cool dark cupboard away from radiators and direct sunlight.
Use bottles with tight-sealing polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. Dropper tops allow slow evaporation and let air creep in so avoid them for anything you want to keep fresh. Top up part-filled bottles with clean glass beads or transfer the liquid to a smaller container so less headspace remains.
Label every container clearly with the chemical name batch number date opened and any hazard statements so no one has to guess what is inside.
Methyl Anthranilate is considered readily biodegradable yet concentrated waste should not go down household drains. Small laboratory residues can be absorbed onto paper or vermiculite then disposed of with solvent-contaminated waste. Larger volumes should be handed to a licensed chemical disposal service in accordance with local regulations. Rinse empty bottles with a little alcohol, add the rinse to your waste container and recycle the clean glass where facilities exist.
Summary
Methyl Anthranilate is a floral aroma chemical that smells like sweet grape tinged with orange blossom and neroli. It sits in the heart of a composition, giving playful fruitiness and a gentle floral glow without costing a fortune.
Because it blends easily with ionones heliotropin aldehydes and many white-flower notes, perfumers slip it into everything from luxury eau de parfum to shampoo bars and berry-themed candles. Its stability is good in most bases, the price is friendly and the character is specific enough to add interest yet versatile enough to fit numerous accords.
If you need a juicy grape twist, a lift for orange-flower or just a touch of candy fun, this ingredient delivers while staying simple to handle in the lab.