2-(3-Phenylpropyl)tetrahydrofuran (CAS 3208-40-0) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-(3-Phenylpropyl)tetrahydrofuran
CAS 3208-40-0
What Is 2-(3-Phenylpropyl)tetrahydrofuran?
2-(3-Phenylpropyl)tetrahydrofuran is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add rich, warm nuances to perfumes. It’s found in luxury fragrances and personal care products. This molecule matters because it provides long-lasting woody-ambery notes that enhance depth and complexity in modern scent compositions.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 2-(3-Phenylpropyl)tetrahydrofuran Smell Like?
A sophisticated woody-amber note with subtle fruity undertones. Opens with a warm, slightly sweet impression reminiscent of dried figs, transitioning to a heart of creamy sandalwood and soft musk. The drydown reveals a persistent ambered woodiness with whisper of vanilla-like sweetness. Exceptionally tenacious, it behaves like an invisible velvet veil on skin.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Provides the creamy sandalwood illusion in this cult fragrance, blending with cardamom and violet accords to create its signature woody-leather character.
Contributes to the long-lasting amber woody base that makes this fragrance so distinctive and persistent.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: C(CC1CCCO1)CC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
A synthetic aromatic compound belonging to the tetrahydrofuran derivatives class. The phenylpropyl side chain contributes to its amber-woody odor characteristics while the oxygen heterocycle provides stability and modulates volatility. Typically synthesized through acid-catalyzed reactions between phenylpropanol and dihydrofuran derivatives.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 190.28 g/mol |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | ~300°C (estimated) |
| XLogP | 3.8 (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Provides warm woody-amber foundation |
| Home Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Adds persistence to candle/diffuser formulas |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with ionones to create smooth wood transitions or with ethyl maltol to enhance sweetness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When a cleaner, more diffusive amber effect is desired without the woody nuances.
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
Not currently evaluated by RIFM. Considered safe at reported usage levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, production can be optimized for minimal environmental impact. No natural resources are depleted in its manufacture. Future green chemistry approaches may improve synthetic routes.
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary for 2-(3-Phenylpropyl)tetrahydrofuran PubChem
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 3208-40-0Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 190.28 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.3🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 105 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.518💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | C1CC(OC1)CCCC2=CC=CC=C2🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | caramelfruityhoneypeachplumsweet• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | etheraromatic💻 RDKit |
| 2-(3-Phenylpropyl)-tetrahydrofuran has a sweet, fruity odor and a honey-like, sweet flavor.📖 Fenaroli | |
Regulatory Status
| IOFI Classification | Artificial📖 Fenaroli |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID9052004
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 190.286 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.979 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 281.652 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 28.77 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 117.621 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.513 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 194.54 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.771 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.771 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.771 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.9 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.008 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 5.253 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 36.641 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 134.22 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 9.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 58.499 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 23.191 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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