2,6-Xylenol (CAS 576-26-1) — Balsamic Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
2,6-Xylenol
CAS 576-26-1
What Is 2,6-Xylenol?
2,6-Xylenol is a synthetic aromatic compound primarily used in industrial applications and specialty chemical formulations. Consumers might encounter it in trace amounts as a component in certain plastics or resins. While not commonly found in consumer products, it plays a role in creating specific scent profiles in niche perfumery.
Safety Profile
PROFESSIONAL USEWhat Does 2,6-Xylenol Smell Like?
2,6-Xylenol presents a sharp, phenolic aroma with medicinal undertones, reminiscent of disinfectants or tar. Its scent profile is intense and persistent, often described as rubbery or smoky with a slightly sweet nuance. The odor can be overpowering in high concentrations, requiring careful dosing in formulations. It lacks the evolution of top-to-base notes typical in perfumery materials, maintaining a linear aromatic character throughout.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC1=CC=CC(C)=C1O
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
2,6-Xylenol is an aromatic organic compound belonging to the phenol family, specifically a dimethylphenol isomer. It’s produced synthetically through alkylation of phenol or by methylation of cresols. The molecule features two methyl groups in the ortho positions relative to the hydroxyl group, which significantly influences its chemical properties. This structure makes it more sterically hindered than other phenol derivatives, affecting its reactivity and solubility characteristics.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 203-205 °C |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 45-47 °C |
| Flash Point | 93 °C |
| Density | 1.02 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used for smoky/medicinal accents |
| Functional Products | Trace | Below 0.1% | Masking agent in polymers |
Classic Accords
Tip: Always pre-dilute to 1% or lower before incorporation due to intense odor impact.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar phenolic character but less intense, often preferred when a softer medicinal note is required.
Offers comparable smoky aspects with added woody complexity, more commonly used in fragrance applications.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not specifically restricted by IFRA, but falls under general phenol guidelines in Amendment 49.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated related phenol compounds but no specific assessment found for 2,6-xylenol in fragrance applications.
Sustainability
As a synthetic compound, 2,6-xylenol production relies on petrochemical feedstocks. While energy-intensive to produce, its high potency means minimal quantities are required in applications. Proper handling procedures are necessary to prevent environmental release due to potential aquatic toxicity.
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References
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID9024063
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 122.167 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.06 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 202.094 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 47.091 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 77.777 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.54 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 120.414 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.358 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 2.397 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 2.397 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.07 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.05 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole🔬 EPA CTX |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.2 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 6.244 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 36.692 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 143.307 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 20.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 37.784 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 14.979 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.
