2-Ethyl-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-norbornanol (CAS 18368-91-7) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Ethyl-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-norbornanol
CAS 18368-91-7
What Is 2-Ethyl-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-norbornanol?
2-Ethyl-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-norbornanol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery for its woody, camphoraceous character. You’ll encounter it in masculine colognes and woody-aromatic compositions. This molecule adds structural complexity to fragrances, creating depth and longevity in modern woody accords.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 2-Ethyl-1,3,3-trimethyl-2-norbornanol Smell Like?
A crisp, woody-camphoraceous aroma with pine needle freshness and subtle earthy undertones. Opens with a cooling menthol-like top note that evolves into dry cedarwood heart. The dry-down reveals a clean, slightly sweet woody base reminiscent of freshly split oak. Exhibits excellent tenacity with a linear scent profile that maintains its character throughout evaporation.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a woody backbone to complement the flinty mineral accord, adding structural depth to the vetiver heart.
Provides the crisp woody facets that balance the dark vetiver, creating a modern interpretation of forest aromas.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCC1(O)C(C)(C)C2CCC1(C)C2
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
A bicyclic tertiary alcohol belonging to the norbornane family. Synthesized via Diels-Alder reactions followed by hydrogenation. The ethyl and methyl substitutions create steric hindrance that influences volatility and odor characteristics. The rigid norbornane skeleton contributes to its stability in formulations.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | ~220 °C (estimated) |
| Density | ~0.95 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Woody accord builder |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.5-1% | Up to 2% | Clean woody note |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to add structural complexity to woody bases without overwhelming floral or citrus top notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar woody character with less camphoraceousness, better for floral compositions.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions currently apply.
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe at current usage levels based on structural analogs.
Sustainability
Synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks using efficient catalytic processes. No known ecological concerns at production scale. Not biodegradable but used at low concentrations that minimize environmental impact.
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References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Modern Woody Fragrance Materials. Perfumer & Flavorist.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 18368-91-7Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 182.3 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.2🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 238 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.0676 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 88.9 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0054💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.54💻 Calculated |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Heart💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 2.2 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | earthy• leffingwell |
Regulatory Status
| IOFI Classification | Artificial📖 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: DTXSID301014528
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 182.307 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.945 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 229.895 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 81.339 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 86.223 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.488 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 191.367 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.214 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.214 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.214 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 7.71 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.004 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.051 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 7.794 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 34.302 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 121.382 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 | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 55.087 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 21.838 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.
