2-Ethoxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-9-methylenebicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (CAS 68845-00-1) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

2-Ethoxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-9-methylenebicyclo[3.3.1]nonane

CAS 68845-00-1

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle to base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 2-Ethoxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-9-methylenebicyclo[3.3.1]nonane?

2-Ethoxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-9-methylenebicyclo[3.3.1]nonane is a synthetic fragrance compound used in modern perfumery. It’s found in some contemporary fragrances where a unique woody-ambergris character is desired. This ingredient matters because it represents the cutting edge of synthetic aroma chemistry, allowing perfumers to create novel scent profiles that don’t exist in nature.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major safety concerns at typical usage levels
Limited toxicological data available
CAS
68845-00-1
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2-Ethoxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-9-methylenebicyclo[3.3.1]nonane Smell Like?

This synthetic molecule offers a complex olfactory profile that evolves from initial sharp, almost metallic top notes to a warm, woody-ambergris heart. The dry-down reveals subtle marine facets with a clean, slightly ozonic character reminiscent of sea air. Its odor has been described as a bridge between traditional woody notes and modern synthetic ambergris alternatives, with a faintly sweet, mineral-like persistence.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2-Ethoxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-9-methylenebicyclo[3.3.1]nonane

SMILES: CCOC1(C)CCC2C(=C)C1CCC2(C)C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2-Ethoxy-2,6,6-trimethyl-9-methylenebicyclo[3.3.1]nonane is a synthetic bicyclic ether derivative. Its complex structure features multiple stereocenters, making chirality an important factor in its olfactory properties. The molecule is synthesized through multi-step organic reactions, typically starting from camphor or similar bicyclic precursors. The ethoxy group at position 2 contributes significantly to its unique scent profile, differentiating it from simpler woody odorants.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Good with woody and amber materials
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used as a modern woody-amber modifier
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%For subtle woody-marine effects

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in small quantities to add depth to woody compositions without overwhelming other notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambroxide CAS 6790-58-5

For a cleaner ambergris effect with less woody character

2
Timberol CAS 70788-30-6

When a simpler woody note is desired without marine aspects

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No current IFRA restrictions. Not specifically regulated under any amendment.

RIFM Assessment

Limited RIFM assessment available. Considered safe at current usage levels based on structural analogs.

Sustainability

As a purely synthetic material, this compound doesn’t rely on natural resource extraction. However, its complex synthesis requires multiple chemical steps with associated energy inputs. Future green chemistry approaches may improve its sustainability profile.

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References

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

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 68845-00-1

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight222.37 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)3.6🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point263 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0.015 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point104 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Involatility Index0.0011💻 Calculated
    log Kp (skin permeability)-1.5💻 Calculated
    SMILESCCOC1(CCC2C(=C)C1CCC2(C)C)C🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score3.8 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Functional Groupsetheralkene💻 RDKit
    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: DTXSID4052421

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 222.37 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    Density 0.925 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
    Boiling Point 263 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Melting Point 34.312 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 104 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Refractive Index 1.48 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 241.905 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 5.164 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 5.164 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 5.164 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.9 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.015 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
    Viscosity 9.681 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 30.103 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 124.617 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 68.663 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 27.22 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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