10-Undecenoic acid (CAS 112-38-9) — Green Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
10-Undecenoic acid
CAS 112-38-9
What Is 10-Undecenoic acid?
10-Undecenoic acid is a synthetic fatty acid primarily used in antifungal treatments and some industrial applications. Consumers may encounter it in medicated foot powders or niche perfumery where its sharp, waxy character is valued. This ingredient matters because it bridges functional chemistry with fragrance, offering a unique metallic-green odor profile that perfumers use to create unconventional accords.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 10-Undecenoic acid Smell Like?
10-Undecenoic acid delivers a piercing, metallic-green opening with waxy undertones reminiscent of hot electronics or burning candle wax. The sharpness evolves into a sour, fatty heart with hints of rancid coconut and wet concrete. In dry-down, it leaves a persistent oily-resinous trail with faint mushroom-like earthiness. Its industrial character makes it more useful for avant-garde compositions than traditional perfumery.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: OC(=O)CCCCCCCCC=C
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
10-Undecenoic acid is an unsaturated fatty acid with the terminal double bond giving it distinctive chemical reactivity. Industrially produced via pyrolysis of ricinoleic acid or through petrochemical routes, its molecular structure (CH2=CH(CH2)8COOH) allows both carboxylic acid and alkene reactivity. The cis configuration at the double bond contributes to its sharp odor profile. It’s often esterified for fragrance applications to moderate its aggressive character.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 275 °C |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 24.5 °C |
| Flash Point | >110 °C |
| Density | 0.907 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used sparingly for metallic effects |
| Functional Products | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Antifungal applications |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in micro-doses with ionones to create ‘hot metal’ effects without overwhelming the composition.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA standards.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation pending for current use levels in fragrances.
Sustainability
Primarily synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks, though some producers explore bio-based routes using castor oil derivatives. Its persistence in aquatic environments requires careful wastewater management in industrial settings. Not considered a high-priority green chemistry target due to low production volumes.
Explore 10-Undecenoic acid
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Arctander S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured Publishing.
- Burdock G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID8035001
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 184.279 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.941 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 278.725 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 24.215 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 149.938 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.456 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 199.829 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.874 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.224 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 1.467 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 8.38 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.001 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 6.504 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 31.875 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 150.773 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 37.3 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 9 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 54.3 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 21.526 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.
