1-(4-Methoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)ethan-1-one (CAS 16556-48-2) — Woody Middle to Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

1-(4-Methoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)ethan-1-one

CAS 16556-48-2

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

What Is 1-(4-Methoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)ethan-1-one?

This synthetic fragrance ingredient is a complex cyclohexenyl compound used in niche perfumery. It’s found in modern woody and amber compositions. The ingredient contributes a subtle, sophisticated character to fragrances, blending well with both natural and synthetic materials to create unique scent profiles.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major safety concerns identified
Limited safety data available
CAS
16556-48-2
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 1-(4-Methoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)ethan-1-one Smell Like?

This molecule presents a refined woody-amber character with subtle powdery facets. The initial impression suggests polished cedarwood with a faint metallic edge, evolving into a smooth, slightly vanillic dry-down. There’s a whisper of dried herbs in the background, making it particularly useful for adding depth to modern amber accords without overwhelming other components. The scent lingers close to skin with excellent tenacity.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Ethanone, 1-(4-methoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-

SMILES: COC1=CC(C)(C)C(C(C)=O)C(C)(C)C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This synthetic molecule belongs to the cyclohexenyl ketone class, featuring a methoxy group and tetramethyl substitution pattern that influences its conformational stability. The compound is produced through alkylation and acetylation reactions of substituted cyclohexene precursors. Its rigid structure contributes to its olfactory persistence while the methoxy group provides subtle sweet-woody nuances.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to Base
Volatility
Medium-Long (4-8 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Woody-amber base note
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Background modifier

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a bridge between woody and amber notes to enhance diffusion.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Trimofix CAS 211299-94-4

Similar woody-amber profile with more pronounced powdery facets, useful when greater lift is needed.

2
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

For a cleaner amber character without the woody nuances of the original molecule.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions currently apply to this material.

RIFM Assessment

No RIFM assessment currently available for this material.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this compound is produced through controlled chemical processes with relatively low environmental impact compared to natural alternatives. The manufacturing process allows for consistent quality and reduces pressure on natural resources. However, like all synthetic materials, petrochemical feedstock sourcing remains an environmental consideration.

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References

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

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 16556-48-2

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight210.31 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)2.8🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point241 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0.0912 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point102.3 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Involatility Index0.0068💻 Calculated
    log Kp (skin permeability)-1.995💻 Calculated
    SMILESCC(=O)C1C(CC(=CC1(C)C)OC)(C)C🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score1.9 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Functional Groupsketoneetheralkene💻 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: DTXSID00864689

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 210.317 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.931 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 254.357 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 40.122 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 98.255 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.467 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 222.477 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.004 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 4.004 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 4.004 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.13 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.004 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.04 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 29.413 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 121.467 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 61.721 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 24.468 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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