2-(2-Hydroxy-4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)propionic acid gamma-lactone (CAS 57743-63-2) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

2-(2-Hydroxy-4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)propionic acid gamma-lactone

CAS 57743-63-2

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

What Is 2-(2-Hydroxy-4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)propionic acid gamma-lactone?

This synthetic lactone is a specialized fragrance ingredient primarily used by professional perfumers. It’s not commonly encountered in consumer products but may appear in niche fragrances. The compound contributes unique woody-amber nuances to sophisticated scent compositions.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major restrictions
Limited safety data available
CAS
57743-63-2
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2-(2-Hydroxy-4-methyl-3-cyclohexenyl)propionic acid gamma-lactone Smell Like?

This lactone delivers a complex woody-ambergris character with subtle marine undertones. Initially presenting a crisp, slightly camphoraceous top note, it evolves into a warm, musky heart reminiscent of sun-bleached driftwood. The dry-down reveals a sophisticated ambery base with faintly sweet, almost coconut-like nuances that linger close to the skin.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

3,6-Dimethyl-3alpha,4,5,7alpha-tetrahydro-1-benzofuran-2(3H)-one

SMILES: CC1C2CCC(C)=CC2OC1=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This gamma-lactone belongs to the class of cyclic esters derived from hydroxy acids. Its structure features a cyclohexenyl ring substituted with methyl and hydroxy groups, contributing to its woody-ambergris odor profile. The compound is synthesized through intramolecular esterification of the corresponding hydroxy acid under acidic conditions. The stereochemistry of the molecule significantly impacts its olfactory properties.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Good with woody and amber materials
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used as woody-amber modifier
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%For sophisticated woody notes

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly in amber bases to add naturalistic woody nuances.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambrettolide CAS 7779-50-2

Macrocyclic lactone with similar musky-woody character but stronger diffusion.

2
γ-Methylionone CAS 1335-46-2

Provides woody-violet nuances with better stability in alkaline formulations.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions currently apply to this material.

RIFM Assessment

Limited safety assessment data available through RIFM.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this lactone avoids natural resource depletion concerns. Modern synthesis routes aim for atom economy and reduced solvent use. The compound’s persistence in the environment has not been thoroughly studied.

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References

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

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID90886239

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 166.22 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 1.071 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 262.387 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 58.57 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 121.849 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.485 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 159.499 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 1.959 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 1.959 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 1.959 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.73 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.012 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.009 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 5.257 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 30.474 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 26.3 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 45.698 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 18.116 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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