3-Methyl-chromen-2-one

Chemical Properties

White crystals. The melting point is 91°C and the boiling point is 292.5°C. Soluble in alcohol, slightly soluble in water.

Uses

3-Methyl-chromen-2-one has a vanilla fragrance and is used in fragrances and cosmetics. It is also used as intermediates in organic synthesis.

Application

Powerful and rich, Tonka-like, sweet-herbaceous odor, somewhat drier than that of Coumarin. Good tenacity.
3-methyl-chromen-2-one finds some use in perfumery as a modifier for Coumarin and 6-Methylcoumarin in Chypres, Oriental bases, Lavender compositions or Tonka-bases, etc.
It blends extremely pleasantly with Oakmoss products and Bergamot for Chypre bases, and gives warm natural background to Lavender and other herbaceous fragrances.

Synthesis

3-Methyl-chromen-2-one is obtained by reacting salicylaldehyde and propionic anhydride, and then recrystallizing from ethanol.