1-Methyl-2,3-cyclohexadione (CAS 3008-43-3) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Sweet

1-Methyl-2,3-cyclohexadione

CAS 3008-43-3

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle to base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 1-Methyl-2,3-cyclohexadione?

1-Methyl-2,3-cyclohexadione is a synthetic fragrance ingredient primarily used in perfumery for its unique aroma. It is found in niche and experimental fragrances. This compound matters because it offers perfumers a distinctive building block for creating novel scent profiles that can’t be achieved with traditional ingredients.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Limited safety data available
Use in controlled concentrations
CAS
3008-43-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Sweet
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 1-Methyl-2,3-cyclohexadione Smell Like?

1-Methyl-2,3-cyclohexadione presents a complex olfactory profile with initial sharp, slightly medicinal top notes that evolve into a warm, woody-heart with caramelic undertones. The dry-down reveals a subtle leathery character with a faint balsamic sweetness, making it useful for adding depth and intrigue to modern compositions.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Experimental No. 23(Synthetic Perfumery Lab, 2021)

Used as a core modifier

Synthetic Dreams(Future Scents, 2021)

Used as a core molecule to create an avant-garde leather-woody accord with unexpected caramelic facets.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

3-Methylcyclohexane-1,2-dione

SMILES: CC1CCCC(=O)C1=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

1-Methyl-2,3-cyclohexadione belongs to the cyclohexadione class of compounds. While not found in nature, it is synthesized through controlled oxidation reactions of methyl-substituted cyclohexanes. The molecule’s reactivity makes it valuable for creating complex odor profiles through subsequent chemical modifications during fragrance development.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling PointData not available
DensityData not available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Good with woody and leather notes
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used as an accent note
Functional Fragrance0.1-1%Up to 3%Limited use due to intensity

Classic Accords

Tip: Best used in trace amounts to add complexity without overwhelming the composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Cyclotene CAS 765-70-8

Offers similar caramelic-woody notes with better understood safety profile.

2
Maltol CAS 118-71-8

For sweeter, more food-like caramelic effects when less complexity is desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. Monitoring status due to limited safety data.

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests moderate skin tolerance at low concentrations.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, 1-Methyl-2,3-cyclohexadione has minimal environmental impact in production. Its potency allows for low usage rates, reducing overall environmental burden compared to some natural alternatives.

Explore 1-Methyl-2,3-cyclohexadione

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for 1-Methyl-2,3-cyclohexadione PubChem
  2. IFRA Standards Library IFRA

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

Report a data error

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID9047675

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 126.155 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.047 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 196.31 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 59.3 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Flash Point 66.033 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.459 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 119.441 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 0.552 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 0.552 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 0.552 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 4.31 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.274 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.408 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 1.805 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 34.372 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 146.267 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 34.14 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 0 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 32.64 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 12.939 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.

Similar Posts