1,4-Bis(ethoxymethyl)cyclohexane (CAS 54889-63-3) — Green Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
1,4-Bis(ethoxymethyl)cyclohexane
CAS 54889-63-3
What Is 1,4-Bis(ethoxymethyl)cyclohexane?
1,4-Bis(ethoxymethyl)cyclohexane is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in modern perfumery. It creates fresh, clean, and slightly woody scent profiles. You’ll encounter it in laundry detergents, fabric softeners, and some contemporary citrus colognes. This molecule matters because it provides long-lasting freshness without being overpowering. Its balanced character makes it versatile for both household products and fine fragrances seeking a crisp, modern edge.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 1,4-Bis(ethoxymethyl)cyclohexane Smell Like?
1,4-Bis(ethoxymethyl)cyclohexane opens with a bright, ozonic freshness reminiscent of freshly laundered linen drying in sunlight. As it evolves, a subtle woody backbone emerges – not dense like cedar, but more like the pale, polished wood of a Scandinavian sauna. The dry-down reveals faintly sweet, almost minty undertones that linger close to the skin. Throughout its development, it maintains an airy, weightless quality that makes it ideal for creating the illusion of cleanliness without soapiness.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to amplify the fabric-softener accord, providing that ‘just-washed’ linen freshness with enhanced longevity compared to traditional citrus top notes.
Forms the chemical backbone of this photorealistic scent, mimicking the industrial freshness of commercial laundry detergents without harshness.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCOCC1CCC(COCC)CC1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
1,4-Bis(ethoxymethyl)cyclohexane is a synthetic cyclohexane derivative with ethoxymethyl groups at the 1 and 4 positions. The molecule’s symmetry contributes to its stability and diffusion properties. Industrially produced through etherification reactions between cyclohexanedimethanol and ethanol under acidic conditions, it represents a class of modern fragrance ingredients designed for performance in alkaline systems like detergents. While not chiral itself, its conformational flexibility allows it to interact with multiple olfactory receptors.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laundry Care | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Provides fabric substantivity |
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Freshness booster |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with hedione to create diffusion without harshness in fresh compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar freshness with more pronounced green character, useful when more naturalness is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
Under review by RIFM as part of cyclic ethers assessment program.
Sustainability
As a fully synthetic material, production avoids agricultural land use. However, its petrochemical origin raises carbon footprint concerns. Some manufacturers are exploring bio-based routes using renewable ethanol. The molecule’s efficiency at low concentrations helps mitigate environmental impact through reduced usage rates.
Explore 1,4-Bis(ethoxymethyl)cyclohexane
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References
- Brenna et al. (2012). Cyclic Ethers in Modern Perfumery. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. DOI 10.1002/ffj.2105
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID001036315
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 200.322 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.899 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 244.9 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 10 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 105 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.433 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 227.336 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.036 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.036 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.09 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.007 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0.001 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.012 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 4.695 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 29.051 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 134.721 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 18.46 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 6 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 59.08 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 23.421 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.
