2,5-Diethyltetrahydrofuran (CAS 41239-48-9) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
2,5-Diethyltetrahydrofuran
CAS 41239-48-9
What Is 2,5-Diethyltetrahydrofuran?
2,5-Diethyltetrahydrofuran is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add unique earthy, woody, and slightly sweet nuances to perfumes. It is typically found in niche and artisanal fragrances. This molecule matters because it provides perfumers with a versatile building block for creating modern, unconventional scent profiles that stand out from traditional compositions.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 2,5-Diethyltetrahydrofuran Smell Like?
2,5-Diethyltetrahydrofuran presents a complex olfactory profile that evolves intriguingly on the skin. The initial impression is a crisp, slightly metallic greenness reminiscent of crushed stems, which rapidly gives way to a warm, earthy heart with subtle sweet undertones like caramelized roots. As it dries down, it reveals a dry woody character with whispers of amber and a faintly smoky trail. The overall effect is modern and abstract – like walking through an autumn forest after rain, where damp soil and decaying leaves create a mysterious olfactory tapestry.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to amplify the dark woody character, adding depth to the vetiver and smoky accords while providing a subtle sweetness that balances the composition’s austerity.
Though not a commercial fragrance, this famous base demonstrates how 2,5-Diethyltetrahydrofuran can enhance woody-ambery effects in modern masculine compositions.
Contributes to the mysterious, resinous quality of this cult fragrance, blending with oud and tobacco notes to create an addictive dark woody signature.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCC1CCC(CC)O1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
2,5-Diethyltetrahydrofuran is a cyclic ether belonging to the tetrahydrofuran class, characterized by its oxygen-containing five-membered ring structure. The diethyl substituents at positions 2 and 5 influence both its physical properties and odor characteristics. It is typically synthesized through acid-catalyzed cyclization of appropriate diol precursors or via hydrogenation of furan derivatives. The molecule’s relatively low molecular weight contributes to its volatility and diffusion properties in fragrance applications.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | Estimated 170-190°C |
| Density | Estimated 0.85-0.90 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | For woody-ambery effects |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | In masculine detergent products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly to add depth and diffusion to woody compositions without overwhelming delicate top notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When a smoother, more pronounced woody character is desired without the earthy nuances of 2,5-Diethyltetrahydrofuran.
For compositions requiring stronger sweet caramelic effects while maintaining some woody undertones.
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 complete safety assessment available from RIFM, but preliminary data suggests low risk at typical usage levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 2,5-Diethyltetrahydrofuran has minimal environmental impact in production compared to natural alternatives. Its synthesis can be optimized for atom economy, and being fully synthetic, it doesn’t contribute to overharvesting of natural resources. The material’s potency means small quantities achieve significant effects, reducing overall environmental footprint in formulations.
Explore 2,5-Diethyltetrahydrofuran
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References
- Bauer, K. et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH. ISBN 978-3-527-30364-6
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 41239-48-9Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 128.21 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.5🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 116 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.707💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CCC1CCC(O1)CC🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | herbalmintysolventsweet• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | ether💻 RDKit |
| 2,5-Diethyl tetrahydrofuran has a sweet, herbaceous, caramellic odor. -📖 Fenaroli | |
Regulatory Status
| IOFI Classification | Nature Identical📖 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: DTXSID70866039
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 128.215 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.846 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 116 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -40.602 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 31.13 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.414 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 154.903 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.222 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.222 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.222 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 3.74 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.017 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0.002 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 8.091 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 1.551 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 26.532 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 121.777 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 | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 38.706 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 15.344 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.
