2,2,4-Trimethyl-4-phenyl-butane-nitrile (CAS 75490-39-0) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

2,2,4-Trimethyl-4-phenyl-butane-nitrile

CAS 75490-39-0

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

What Is 2,2,4-Trimethyl-4-phenyl-butane-nitrile?

2,2,4-Trimethyl-4-phenyl-butane-nitrile is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in modern perfumery. It’s found in various personal care products and fine fragrances. This molecule contributes unique olfactory properties that enhance complex scent compositions.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for individual sensitivity
CAS
75490-39-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2,2,4-Trimethyl-4-phenyl-butane-nitrile Smell Like?

This synthetic nitrile offers a crisp, modern aroma with woody-amber undertones. Initially presents with a sharp, slightly metallic edge that quickly evolves into a warm, diffusive heart. The dry-down reveals a clean, almost musky character with excellent persistence. Its synthetic nature gives it a precise, almost ‘digital’ quality that blends well with both fresh and oriental accords.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Synthetic Amber(Modern Lab, 2015)

Used as a woody-amber backbone in this futuristic fragrance, providing longevity without animalic notes. Its synthetic purity makes it ideal for clean, contemporary compositions.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2,2-Dimethyl-4-phenylpentanenitrile

SMILES: CC(CC(C)(C)C#N)C1=CC=CC=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2,2,4-Trimethyl-4-phenyl-butane-nitrile belongs to the nitrile class of organic compounds. As a fully synthetic material, it’s produced through controlled chemical synthesis rather than being derived from natural sources. The molecule features a phenyl group attached to a branched aliphatic chain terminating in a nitrile functional group, which contributes to its distinctive odor profile.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Used as a modifier
Functional Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 3%For longevity

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to add modern woody character without overwhelming other notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

For similar woody-amber effects but with more diffusion and less nitrile sharpness.

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 specific RIFM assessment found for this material.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this compound is produced through controlled chemical processes without reliance on natural resources. Its environmental impact depends on manufacturing practices and waste management at production facilities.

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References

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

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID2052499

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 187.286 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.94 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
    Boiling Point 272.25 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Melting Point 28.455 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 126 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Refractive Index 1.503 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 198.964 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.34 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX
    LogD (pH 5.5) 3.418 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 3.418 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.33 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.006 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
    Viscosity 4.322 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 34.512 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 140.68 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 23.79 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 3 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 58.849 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 23.329 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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