1,1,3-Trimethyl-3-phenylindane (CAS 3910-35-8) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

1,1,3-Trimethyl-3-phenylindane

CAS 3910-35-8

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 1,1,3-Trimethyl-3-phenylindane?

1,1,3-Trimethyl-3-phenylindane is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to enhance longevity and add woody-ambery nuances to perfumes. Found in many modern fragrances, it helps create diffusive, long-lasting scent profiles. This versatile material is prized for its ability to blend seamlessly with other ingredients while providing structural support to fragrance compositions.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check IFRA guidelines for usage limits
CAS
3910-35-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 1,1,3-Trimethyl-3-phenylindane Smell Like?

1,1,3-Trimethyl-3-phenylindane presents a complex olfactory profile that evolves beautifully on skin. Initially, it offers a crisp, slightly metallic sharpness reminiscent of crushed pine needles. This quickly softens into a warm, ambery heart with subtle powdery facets like vintage perfume sachets. The dry-down reveals remarkable tenacity – a velvety woody-musk foundation that lingers for hours, with faint whispers of sun-warmed cedarwood and antique leather.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Sauvage(Dior, 2015)

Used to amplify the woody-amber backbone, contributing to Sauvage’s signature trail and modern freshness.

Baccarat Rouge 540(Maison Francis Kurkdjian, 2015)

Provides subtle woody support to the saffron-amber accord, enhancing diffusion without overpowering the delicate balance.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

1,1,-Trimethyl-3-phenylindane

SMILES: CC1(C)CC(C)(C2=C1C=CC=C2)C1=CC=CC=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

1,1,3-Trimethyl-3-phenylindane belongs to the indane class of synthetic aromatic compounds. Its structure features a phenyl group attached to an indane core with three methyl substitutions. The molecule’s conformational rigidity contributes to its excellent stability in formulations. Industrially produced through Friedel-Crafts alkylation reactions, this material showcases how subtle structural modifications can dramatically alter scent properties in fragrance chemistry.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular Weight210.32 g/mol
Boiling PointEstimated 300-310°C

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (12+ hours)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance2-5%Up to 10%Provides woody-amber foundation
Functional Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 3%Used for longevity enhancement

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to extend citrus top notes by creating a bridge to woody base materials.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Galaxolide CAS 1222-05-5

When a cleaner musk profile is desired, though with less woody character.

2
Iso E Super CAS 54464-57-2

For a more transparent woody effect with less amber nuance.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. Monitor for future amendments.

RIFM Assessment

Under review by RIFM for comprehensive safety assessment.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, 1,1,3-Trimethyl-3-phenylindane offers consistent quality without natural variation. Production follows green chemistry principles to minimize environmental impact. The long-lasting nature reduces reapplication frequency in end products, contributing to sustainable fragrance use.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for 1,1,3-Trimethyl-3-phenylindane PubChem

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

Report a data error

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID20863290

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 236.358 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.975 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 308.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Melting Point 51.25 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Flash Point 144.931 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.554 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 239.545 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 5.869 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 5.869 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 5.869 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 8.41 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.001 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 16.357 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 37.717 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 123.003 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 0 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 0 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 1 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 2 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 76.806 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 30.448 Å^3📊 OPERA

Data Sources:

🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.

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