1-(3-Methyl-2-benzofuranyl)ethanone (CAS 23911-56-0) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

1-(3-Methyl-2-benzofuranyl)ethanone

CAS 23911-56-0

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

What Is 1-(3-Methyl-2-benzofuranyl)ethanone?

1-(3-Methyl-2-benzofuranyl)ethanone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery. It contributes unique aromatic characteristics to compositions. Consumers might encounter it in niche fragrances where complex, modern accords are desired. This compound matters because it offers perfumers a tool to create distinctive olfactory signatures, particularly in avant-garde or experimental scents.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Limited safety data available
CAS
23911-56-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 1-(3-Methyl-2-benzofuranyl)ethanone Smell Like?

This synthetic molecule offers a complex olfactory profile. Initially, it presents sharp, almost medicinal top notes that quickly evolve into a heart of warm, slightly balsamic tones. The dry-down reveals subtle woody undertones with a hint of sweetness, reminiscent of aged leather and dried fruits. Its behavior on skin is moderate in longevity, making it suitable for mid-notes in compositions.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Experimental No. 1(Niche Perfumery, 2020)

Used to add a modern, slightly medicinal edge to an otherwise woody composition, enhancing its avant-garde appeal.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Ethanone, 1-(3-methyl-2-benzofuranyl)-

SMILES: CC(=O)C1=C(C)C2=CC=CC=C2O1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

1-(3-Methyl-2-benzofuranyl)ethanone is a synthetic aromatic compound belonging to the benzofuran class. It is typically synthesized through Friedel-Crafts acylation of 3-methylbenzofuran. The compound’s structure features a ketone group attached to the benzofuran ring, contributing to its unique olfactory properties. Its synthetic nature allows for consistent quality and purity in perfumery applications.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointN/A
DensityN/A

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Moderate (1-3 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Used for unique accords

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to add complexity without overpowering the composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Benzofuran CAS 271-89-6

A simpler alternative when less complexity is desired in the fragrance.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No specific IFRA restrictions currently apply.

EU Allergen Declaration

Not listed as an EU allergen.

RIFM Assessment

No RIFM safety assessment available.

Sustainability

As a synthetic compound, its production can be controlled to minimize environmental impact. However, sourcing of precursor chemicals should be considered for sustainability.

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References

  1. PubChem. 1-(3-Methyl-2-benzofuranyl)ethanone. PubChem

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 23911-56-0

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight174.2 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)2.7🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point276 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.0001 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point106.4 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.846💻 Calculated
SMILESCC1=C(OC2=CC=CC=C12)C(=O)C🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteBase💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score7.1 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsbalsamicwoody• leffingwell
Functional Groupsketonearomatic💻 RDKit
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID9074357

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 174.199 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.135 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 269.713 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 83.548 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 116.184 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.579 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 154.149 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.522 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.522 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.477 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.34 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.004 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.001 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 9.625 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 40.102 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 30.21 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 1 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 2 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 51.248 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 20.316 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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