1-Ethyl-3-methoxytricyclo[2.2.1.02,6]heptane (CAS 31996-78-8) — Woody Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Green

1-Ethyl-3-methoxytricyclo[2.2.1.02,6]heptane

CAS 31996-78-8

Origin
synthetic
Note
Top to middle
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 1-Ethyl-3-methoxytricyclo[2.2.1.02,6]heptane?

1-Ethyl-3-methoxytricyclo[2.2.1.02,6]heptane is a synthetic fragrance compound rarely encountered in consumer products. Its complex structure makes it a niche ingredient primarily used by professional perfumers. This molecule matters as it represents the cutting edge of synthetic aroma chemistry, allowing creators to engineer novel scent profiles that don’t exist in nature.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major safety concerns reported
Limited safety data available
CAS
31996-78-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 1-Ethyl-3-methoxytricyclo[2.2.1.02,6]heptane Smell Like?

This synthetic molecule presents a sharp, camphoraceous opening with metallic undertones, reminiscent of chilled surgical steel. The heart develops into a dry woody character with faint eucalyptus-like cooling effects. In drydown, it leaves a clean, almost ozonic trail with subtle gasoline nuances that add modern edge to compositions. The overall impression is futuristic and industrial, like the scent of a high-tech laboratory after hours.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Tricyclo[2.2.1.02,6]heptane, 1-ethyl-3-methoxy-

SMILES: CCC12CC3CC1C2C3OC

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

1-Ethyl-3-methoxytricyclo[2.2.1.02,6]heptane belongs to the class of bridged bicyclic compounds with an ether functional group. The rigid tricyclic framework creates unique steric constraints that influence its odor properties. Synthesis typically involves Diels-Alder reactions followed by selective functionalization of the norbornane core. The ethyl and methoxy substituents introduce asymmetry, potentially leading to chiral forms with different olfactory characteristics.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to middle
Volatility
Moderate (1-3 hours)
Blending
Fair
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Conceptual Fragrances0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Used for avant-garde effects
Functional Fragrances0.01-0.1%Up to 0.3%Masking agent for industrial notes

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly as a modernizing agent in woody or metallic accords.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
1,8-Cineole CAS 470-82-6

For similar cooling effects but more natural profile

2
Isobornyl Acetate CAS 125-12-2

Alternative for camphoraceous woody notes with better safety profile

Layer 3

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

No RIFM assessment available due to limited commercial use.

Sustainability

As a purely synthetic material, this compound avoids natural resource depletion but requires energy-intensive synthesis. The complex structure may involve multiple synthetic steps with associated solvent use and waste generation. Future green chemistry approaches could improve its environmental profile.

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References

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

    Report a data error

    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID9051371

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 152.237 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 1.066 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 192.609 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 56.814 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 64.49 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.51 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 146.751 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.543 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 3.543 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 3.543 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 4.46 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.003 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.641 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 32.507 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 9.23 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 2 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 43.876 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 17.394 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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