1,2,3,4,4a,7,8,8a-Octahydro-2,4a,5,8a-tetramethyl-1-naphthyl formate (CAS 65405-72-3) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

1,2,3,4,4a,7,8,8a-Octahydro-2,4a,5,8a-tetramethyl-1-naphthyl formate

CAS 65405-72-3

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 1,2,3,4,4a,7,8,8a-Octahydro-2,4a,5,8a-tetramethyl-1-naphthyl formate?

This synthetic fragrance ingredient is found in niche perfumes and some household products. It contributes to woody, ambery accords with subtle floral undertones. Though not widely recognized by name, it plays a supporting role in creating depth and longevity in modern fragrances.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
IFRA compliant at standard usage levels
Limited safety data available
CAS
65405-72-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 1,2,3,4,4a,7,8,8a-Octahydro-2,4a,5,8a-tetramethyl-1-naphthyl formate Smell Like?

A complex woody-amber note with facets of dry cedar and faint floralcy. Opens with a crisp, slightly camphoraceous edge that softens into a warm, musky base. The formate ester lends a subtle fruity-floral nuance reminiscent of overripe apples. Dry-down reveals a persistent, skin-like musk with excellent tenacity.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

1-Naphthalenol, 1,2,3,4,4a,7,8,8a-octahydro-2,4a,5,8a-tetramethyl-, 1-formate

SMILES: CC1CCC2(C)C(C)=CCCC2(C)C1OC=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This bicyclic formate ester belongs to the terpenoid class, structurally related to damascones. Synthesized through esterification of octahydronaphthalene derivatives, it exhibits stereochemical complexity with multiple chiral centers. The formate group contributes to its moderate volatility and distinctive odor profile. While not found in nature, its molecular framework mimics certain woody-amber natural products.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Molecular WeightEstimated ~250 g/mol

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Amber accord modifier
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Base note fixative

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly in oriental bases to add dry woody complexity without overwhelming.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambrox CAS 6790-58-5

More diffusive amber note with better safety profile

2
Vertofix CAS 68039-49-6

Woodier alternative with similar tenacity

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No specific restrictions under current IFRA standards (as of 2023).

RIFM Assessment

Not currently evaluated by RIFM. Recommended for further safety assessment.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, production avoids natural resource depletion. Manufacturing requires standard petrochemical feedstocks. Energy-intensive purification steps may impact carbon footprint. No known ecological toxicity concerns at typical usage levels.

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References

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

    Report a data error

    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID90867144

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 236.355 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 1.03 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
    Boiling Point 294 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Melting Point 8.849 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 138 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Refractive Index 1.495 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 237.11 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.413 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 4.413 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 4.413 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 7.26 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.004 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
    Surface Tension 32.824 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 123.718 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 26.3 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 2 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 69.15 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 27.413 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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