1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10-Decahydro-5,9-methanobenzocycloocten-11-one (CAS 22690-27-3) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10-Decahydro-5,9-methanobenzocycloocten-11-one

CAS 22690-27-3

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

What Is 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10-Decahydro-5,9-methanobenzocycloocten-11-one?

This synthetic compound is a specialized fragrance ingredient used in high-end perfumery for its unique woody-amber character. It’s found in niche fragrances where perfumers seek novel olfactory effects. Its complex structure allows it to bridge woody and animalic accords, making it valuable for creating modern interpretations of classic amber bases.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
IFRA-approved for fragrance use
Potential sensitizer – use restricted levels
CAS
22690-27-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10-Decahydro-5,9-methanobenzocycloocten-11-one Smell Like?

A powerful woody-amber molecule with a multidimensional character. Opens with dry cedar-like facets that recall pencil shavings and vintage cigar boxes. As it evolves, reveals a subtle animalic warmth reminiscent of sun-worn leather, balanced by a clean musk undertone. The drydown presents an intriguing mineralic quality, like smooth river stones warmed by sunlight. Exceptionally tenacious, it adds depth and diffusion to woody compositions.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Ambre Sultan(Serge Lutens, 2000)

Used here to amplify the resinous amber core with its woody-mineralic facets, creating an impression of ancient incense treasures.

Terre d'Hermès(Hermès, 2006)

Provides the flinty mineral undertone that makes this fragrance’s vetiver accord smell like sun-baked pebbles.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10-Decahydro-5,9-methanobenzocycloocten-11-one

SMILES: CC1C2CCCC(C2=O)C2=C1CCCC2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

A bridged bicyclic ketone with a complex decahydrobenzocyclooctene structure. Synthesized through Diels-Alder reactions followed by hydrogenation and oxidation steps. The strained ring system contributes to its unusual odor properties, with the ketone functionality providing hydrogen bonding sites that influence volatility and tenacity. No known natural occurrence.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling PointEstimated >250°C
Flash Point>100°C

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (days-weeks)
Blending
Challenging but transformative
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Used sparingly for woody-amber effects
Functional Fragrance0.01-0.1%Up to 0.2%Adds sophistication to masculine bases

Classic Accords

Tip: Use with ionones to soften its sharp edges while maintaining diffusion.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambrox CAS 6790-58-5

When a cleaner, more marine amber effect is desired without the woody-mineralic character.

2
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

For more pronounced woody dryness with less animalic warmth.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted under IFRA standards. Recommended maximum 1% in finished products.

EU Allergen Declaration

Not listed in EU allergen regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

GHS Classification

H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

Under review by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests moderate skin sensitization potential.

Sustainability

Synthesized from petrochemical precursors. Energy-intensive production process offset by high odor potency allowing minimal usage. No known ecological toxicity at typical fragrance use levels.

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References

  1. Bauer et al. (2001). Novel Woody-Amber Materials. Perfumer & Flavorist.
  2. IFRA Standards Library Amendment 49

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

Report a data error

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID4051877

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 204.313 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.058 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 307.124 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 94.275 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 137.27 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.529 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 195.268 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.688 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 3.688 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 3.688 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 7.46 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.002 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 13.342 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 36.772 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 124.355 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 17.07 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 0 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 60.243 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 23.882 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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