2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-dienyl methanal (CAS 116-26-7) — Woody Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Green

2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-dienyl methanal

CAS 116-26-7

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

What Is 2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-dienyl methanal?

2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-dienyl methanal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery to create fresh, green, and woody accords. It’s found in modern floral and fougère compositions. This molecule contributes a crisp, diffusive quality that helps brighten fragrance openings while adding structural complexity to heart notes.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Approved for fragrance use
Limited safety data available
CAS
116-26-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-dienyl methanal Smell Like?

This synthetic aldehyde delivers a vibrant, green-woody character with citrusy undertones. Initially sharp and diffusive like crushed stems, it evolves into a drier, more ambery woodiness reminiscent of freshly sanded cedar. The dry-down reveals subtle floral nuances that bridge between green top notes and woody base materials. Its moderate tenacity makes it valuable for creating dynamic scent transitions.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Safranal

SMILES: CC1=C(C=O)C(C)(C)CC=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-dienyl methanal belongs to the cyclohexadiene aldehyde class, synthesized through Diels-Alder reactions or oxidation of corresponding alcohols. Its conjugated diene system contributes to both stability and olfactory character. The molecule’s rigid cyclic structure prevents free rotation, creating distinct stereochemical effects that influence its odor profile and volatility.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular ClassCyclohexadiene aldehyde
VolatilityMedium-high

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to middle
Volatility
Medium (1-3 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Green-woody modifier
Functional Fragrance0.1-1%Up to 3%Freshness booster

Classic Accords

Tip: Use with citrus top notes to enhance diffusion without overpowering delicate florals.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Cyclamen aldehyde CAS 103-95-7

Softer floral-aldehydic alternative with better blending in white floral compositions.

2
Dihydrocyclocitral CAS 432-25-7

More citrus-forward with similar woody dry-down characteristics.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No current IFRA restrictions. Listed on IFRA Transparency List.

RIFM Assessment

Under review by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests low sensitization potential.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, production avoids agricultural land use. Manufacturing typically employs green chemistry principles with high atom economy. Potential exists for bio-based production routes using terpene feedstocks.

Explore 2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-dienyl methanal

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

  1. Brenna et al. (2012). Cyclic aldehydes in modern perfumery. Flavour and Fragrance Journal.

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

Report a data error

Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 116-26-7

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight150.22 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)2.1🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point70 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.0773 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point84.9 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Involatility Index0.0068💻 Calculated
log Kp (skin permeability)-2.125💻 Calculated
SMILESCC1=C(C(CC=C1)(C)C)C=O🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteTop💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score1.7 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorscamphoraceoustobacco• leffingwell
Functional Groupsaldehydealkene💻 RDKit
“Very powerful, sweet, green-floral and somewhat tobacco-herbaceous odor of good tenacity. In extreme dilution reminiscent of the odor of Safran (Saffron).”📖 Arctander
2,6,6-Trimethylcyclohexa-1,3-dienyl methanal has a characteristic saffron-like odor and taste.📖 Fenaroli

Flavor Notes (Arctander)

“The aldehyde is, to the author's knowledge, not used extensively in flavor compositions.”📖 Arctander

Regulatory Status

IFRA ListedYes — see IFRA Standards for category limits⚖️ IFRA 51
IOFI ClassificationNature Identical📖 Fenaroli
Data Sources & Attribution
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: DTXSID7049398

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 150.221 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.97 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point 221.771 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 38.977 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 84.9 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Refractive Index 1.529 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 154.009 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.569 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.569 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.569 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.003 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.077 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
Viscosity 1.327 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 34.737 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 118.778 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 1 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 47.508 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 18.834 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.

Similar Posts