Diethyl Malonate Aroma Chemical
CAS# 105-53-3

Diethyl Malonate (DEM, CAS: 105-53-3) is the diethyl ester of malonic acid, serving as an incredibly important organic compound in various industries. At room temperature, this product is a clear, colorless to pale yellow, oily liquid with a sweet, characteristic fruity odor resembling apples. In nature, it can be found in some fruits such as strawberries, grapes, pineapples, and guavas. With the molecular formula C7H12O4, Diethyl Malonate is only slightly soluble in water but highly miscible with common organic solvents such as alcohol, ether, chloroform, and benzene.

The most prominent feature of Diethyl Malonate is its unique chemical structure with an active methylene group located between two carbonyl groups, making it an extremely versatile chemical intermediate. Approximately 54% of the global production of Diethyl Malonate is consumed directly to manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). This chemical is a core raw material for synthesizing barbiturate sedatives, vitamin B1, vitamin B6, antimalarial drugs (such as chloroquine), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as phenylbutazone). Additionally, this chemical is used in the synthesis of agrochemicals (pesticides) and complex ring-forming reactions like the Knoevenagel condensation.

Thanks to its pleasant and natural aroma, Diethyl Malonate is widely applied in the flavor and cosmetics industries. In perfumery, this chemical contributes to fresh "sweet, fruity, green apple" notes. At the same time, it acts as a safe artificial flavoring agent used to enhance flavors in various foods, alcoholic beverages, and different types of wines.

Although it has low acute toxicity, users must strictly adhere to safety measures when handling Diethyl Malonate. This chemical can cause serious eye irritation, mild skin irritation, and may cause respiratory discomfort if inhaled at high vapor concentrations. During handling, it is necessary to equip full personal protective equipment including gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. Furthermore, it is a combustible liquid (with a flash point of around 93°C), so it must be kept away from high temperatures, sparks, and open flames. For storage, the product should be kept in tightly closed containers, placed in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area (ideal temperature 15°C – 25°C), and protected from direct sunlight as well as strong oxidizing agents.
Diethyl Malonate is widely supplied on the market with very high purity, commonly ranging from 98% to 99.5% (reagent, analytical, or industrial production grades). To meet various scales from laboratory research to industrial production, this chemical is packaged in different volumes such as small bottles (100ml, 500ml, 1L, 2.5L) or large industrial drums ranging from 10kg to 25kg.