1-(2,3,4,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-3,6,8,8-tetramethyl-1H-3a,7-methanoazulen-5-yl)ethan-1-one (CAS 68039-35-0) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

1-(2,3,4,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-3,6,8,8-tetramethyl-1H-3a,7-methanoazulen-5-yl)ethan-1-one

CAS 68039-35-0

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

What Is 1-(2,3,4,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-3,6,8,8-tetramethyl-1H-3a,7-methanoazulen-5-yl)ethan-1-one?

This synthetic fragrance ingredient is a complex woody-amber molecule used in modern perfumery. It’s found in niche and designer fragrances seeking sophisticated dry-down effects. The material contributes depth and diffusion to woody amber accords, making it valuable for creating long-lasting scent trails in perfumes and personal care products.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
IFRA compliant at standard usage levels
Potential skin sensitizer at high concentrations
CAS
68039-35-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 1-(2,3,4,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-3,6,8,8-tetramethyl-1H-3a,7-methanoazulen-5-yl)ethan-1-one Smell Like?

A powerful woody-amber material with a complex olfactory profile. Opens with intense camphoraceous facets reminiscent of dry cedar shavings, evolving into a warm ambery heart with subtle animalic undertones. The dry-down reveals a smooth, musky-woody character with excellent tenacity. Comparable to the scent of sun-warmed driftwood with hints of leather and tobacco. Its diffusion creates an expansive aura around the wearer.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

1H-3a,7-Methanoazulene, ethanone deriv.

SMILES: [H]C12CC3(CC(C(C)=O)=C1C)C(C)CCC3C2(C)C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This bicyclic sesquiterpene ketone belongs to the azulene-derived fragrance chemicals. Synthesized through Diels-Alder reactions involving myrcene derivatives followed by oxidation steps. The rigid molecular framework contributes to its excellent stability and substantivity. The ketone functionality provides polarity while the hydrocarbon skeleton ensures good volatility balance. Often used as a more sophisticated alternative to simpler woody-amber materials like Iso E Super.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow viscous liquid
Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (24+ hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%For woody-amber dry-down effects
Functional Fragrance0.5-1%Up to 2%Used sparingly in fabric conditioners

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in trace amounts to enhance diffusion of woody bases without overpowering.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Iso E Super CAS 54464-57-2

More transparent woody effect with less amber character

2
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

Cleaner ambery dry-down without woody facets

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).

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation

RIFM Assessment

Not currently evaluated by RIFM. Recommended for professional use only.

Sustainability

Synthetic production minimizes environmental impact compared to natural amber materials. Manufacturing process optimized for atom economy. Not derived from petrochemical feedstocks. Biodegradability studies pending.

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References

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

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID00860469

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 246.394 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.987 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 314.646 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 66.694 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 132.404 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.517 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 245.059 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.589 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 4.589 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 4.589 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 8.41 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 35.184 dyn/cm📊 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 1 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 74.148 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 29.394 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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