1-Methoxyhexane-3-thiol (CAS 94291-50-6) — Musky Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Musky · Balsamic

1-Methoxyhexane-3-thiol

CAS 94291-50-6

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle
IFRA
Professional use
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 1-Methoxyhexane-3-thiol?

1-Methoxyhexane-3-thiol is a synthetic fragrance compound rarely encountered in consumer products. It’s primarily used by professional perfumers to create unique scent profiles. This ingredient matters because it represents the cutting edge of aroma chemistry, allowing perfumers to craft novel olfactory experiences that can’t be achieved with natural materials alone.

Safety Profile

PROFESSIONAL USE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Requires professional handling
Potential skin sensitizer
CAS
94291-50-6
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Musky · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 1-Methoxyhexane-3-thiol Smell Like?

1-Methoxyhexane-3-thiol presents a complex olfactory profile with a sharp, sulfurous opening that evolves into a meaty, savory character reminiscent of grilled meats or truffles. The methoxy group adds a subtle fruity nuance that balances the thiol’s intensity. As it dries down, it reveals a lingering umami quality with faint metallic undertones, making it a challenging but intriguing material for avant-garde compositions.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

1-Methoxyhexane-3-thiol

SMILES: CCCC(S)CCOC

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

1-Methoxyhexane-3-thiol belongs to the class of thioethers, combining a sulfur atom with alkyl and alkoxy groups. The molecule features a hexane backbone with methoxy and thiol groups at specific positions, creating its unique odor characteristics. Synthesis typically involves nucleophilic substitution reactions between appropriate thiol and alcohol precursors, often requiring careful control of reaction conditions to prevent unwanted side products.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Specialized
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.01-0.1%Up to 0.5%Used as trace modifier
Functional FragranceNot usedN/AToo potent for mass market

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in extreme dilution and always conduct skin tests due to potential sensitization.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
3-Mercaptohexanol CAS 51755-83-0

Offers similar sulfurous character but with more fruity notes, often preferred for its 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, but recommended for professional use only.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation

RIFM Assessment

No RIFM assessment currently available for this material.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, 1-Methoxyhexane-3-thiol has minimal environmental impact in production compared to natural alternatives. Its extreme potency means very small quantities are needed, reducing overall chemical usage. However, specialized handling requirements increase its carbon footprint through safety protocols.

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References

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

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID9052636

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 148.26 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.906 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 185.368 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point -105.904 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 65.828 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.447 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 164.87 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.275 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 1.255 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 2.09 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 3.94 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.008 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 1.376 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 1.183 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 27.077 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 9.23 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 1 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 5 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 44.079 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 17.474 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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