2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-acetaldehyde (CAS 472-66-2) — Citrus Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Citrus · Floral

2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-acetaldehyde

CAS 472-66-2

Origin
synthetic
Note
Top to middle
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-acetaldehyde?

2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-acetaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery to add fresh, floral, and citrusy notes. It is commonly found in fine fragrances, body care products, and household cleaners. This molecule contributes to the bright, uplifting character of many modern scents, often enhancing floral bouquets or adding a crisp edge to citrus compositions.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated concentrations
Potential skin sensitizer
CAS
472-66-2
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-acetaldehyde Smell Like?

This aldehyde delivers a vibrant, fresh aroma with pronounced citrus and floral facets. The top note bursts with crisp lemon peel and bergamot zest, evolving into a heart of dewy rose petals and green stems. As it dries down, subtle woody undertones emerge, reminiscent of freshly sanded cedar. The overall effect is radiant and slightly metallic, like sunlight glinting off morning dew on a flower garden.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Chance Eau Fraîche(Chanel, 2007)

Used here to amplify the citrusy freshness and add a modern floralcy that bridges the lemon top notes with the pink pepper and jasmine heart.

Light Blue(Dolce & Gabbana, 2001)

Provides the sparkling, slightly metallic freshness that makes this citrus-aquatic fragrance so distinctive and long-lasting.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

beta-Homocyclocitral

SMILES: CC1=C(CC=O)C(C)(C)CCC1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2,6,6-Trimethyl-1-cyclohexen-1-acetaldehyde belongs to the cyclohexene derivative class of fragrance chemicals. It is synthesized through aldol condensation reactions starting from citral or related terpenoid precursors. The molecule features an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde group conjugated with a cyclohexene ring, which contributes to its reactivity and odor characteristics. The trimethyl substitution pattern enhances volatility and modifies the scent profile.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointApprox. 220-230°C
Density~0.92 g/cm³

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to middle
Volatility
Medium (1-3 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Adds freshness and lift
Body Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Brightening effect

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in citrus or floral compositions where a bright, slightly metallic freshness is desired.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Hydroxycitronellal CAS 107-75-5

Offers similar floral freshness but with more sweetness and less citrus character.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No specific IFRA restrictions. General aldehyde precautions apply.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment ongoing. Preliminary data suggests safe use at current levels.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this ingredient doesn’t require agricultural land but does depend on petrochemical feedstocks. Modern synthesis routes aim to minimize waste and energy use. Its high potency means relatively small quantities are needed in formulations.

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References

  1. Bauer, K. et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.

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

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Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID0047088

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 166.264 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.879 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point 58.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Melting Point 21.432 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 84.13 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.45 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 189.029 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.285 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 3.285 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 3.285 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.86 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.002 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.178 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 2.345 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 27.462 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 118.153 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 17.07 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 50.809 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 20.142 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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