3-Butylidenephthalide

CAS NO.：551-08-6
Empirical Formula: C12H12O2
Molecular Weight: 188.22
MDL number: MFCD00047319
EINECS: 208-991-3
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-07-17 09:03:53

What is 3-Butylidenephthalide?

Chemical properties

3-Butylidenephthalide has a pervasive warm spicy aroma.

Occurrence

Reported as occurring naturally in the fruits and roots of Ligusticum acutilobum and lovage (Levisticum officinale) seeds, roots and leaves.

The Uses of 3-Butylidenephthalide

3-Butylidenephthalide is a phthalide derivative useful for control of sensation disorder and olfaction disorder.

Definition

ChEBI: A gamma-lactone that is phthalide substituted by a butylidene group at position 3. Isolated from Ligusticum porteri, it exhibits hypoglycemic activity.

Taste threshold values

Taste characteristics at 15 ppm: celery, green, vegetable-like with a herbal nuance.

General Description

3-Butylidenephthalide is a bioactive phthalide compound of Chuanxiong rhizoma, a Chinese herbal medicine used for treating headache obtained from the root of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by ingestion. A skin irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Properties of 3-Butylidenephthalide

Melting point:	82.5°C
Boiling point:	139-142 °C/5 mmHg (lit.)
Density	1.103 g/mL at 25 °C (lit.)
refractive index	n20/D 1.577(lit.)
FEMA	3333 \| 3-BUTYLIDENEPHTHALIDE
Flash point:	>230 °F
storage temp.	Refrigerator
solubility	Chloroform (Slightly), Ethyl Acetate (Slightly)
form	Oil
color	Colourless to Yellow
Odor	at 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol. herbal lovage celery
JECFA Number	1170
BRN	5145
CAS DataBase Reference	551-08-6(CAS DataBase Reference)
EPA Substance Registry System	1(3H)-Isobenzofuranone, 3-butylidene- (551-08-6)

Safety information for 3-Butylidenephthalide

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H302:Acute toxicity,oral
Precautionary Statement Codes	P264:Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P264:Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P270:Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P330:Rinse mouth.