2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal (CAS 35158-25-9) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Green · Citrus

2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal

CAS 35158-25-9

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

What Is 2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal?

2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery for its fresh, green character. You’ll encounter it in modern citrus and floral fragrances, often as a supporting note. This aldehyde adds a crisp, slightly metallic edge that helps create contemporary scent profiles, particularly in designer fragrances targeting younger audiences.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
IFRA compliant at standard usage levels
Potential skin sensitizer at high concentrations
CAS
35158-25-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Citrus
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2-Isopropyl-5-methyl-2-hexenal Smell Like?

A razor-sharp aldehyde with piercing green freshness that evolves into a soapy-clean aura. The initial burst resembles crushed tomato leaves with a metallic twang, settling into a long-lasting impression of starched linen drying in sunlight. Unlike heavier aldehydes, this molecule maintains an airy quality throughout its evolution, never becoming waxy or dense. In dilution, it reveals subtle citrus undertones reminiscent of bergamot peel without the sweetness.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau Dynamisante(Clarins, 1987)

Used here to amplify the invigorating citrus-herbal accord, contributing a modern crispness that balances the traditional eucalyptus and rosemary notes.

Light Blue(Dolce & Gabbana, 2001)

Provides the signature ‘icy’ effect in this summer staple, enhancing the frozen citrus concept with its metallic green facets.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2-(1-Methylethyl)-5-methylhex-2-enal

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

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This α,β-unsaturated aldehyde belongs to the branched-chain aliphatic aldehyde family. Synthesized via aldol condensation of isobutyraldehyde with 3-methyl-2-butenal, followed by dehydration. The electron-withdrawing carbonyl group conjugated with the double bond creates high reactivity, contributing to its intense odor impact. Lacks chirality due to the trisubstituted double bond preventing optical activity.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor Threshold0.02 ppb in air

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good with citrus, challenging with florals
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Used sparingly due to potency
Functional Fragrance0.01-0.1%Up to 0.3%For fresh linen effects

Classic Accords

Tip: Stabilize in ethanol before adding to aqueous systems to prevent polymerization.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
2-Methyl-4-(2,6,6-trimethylcyclohex-1-enyl)but-2-enal CAS 236391-76-7

When more floralcy is needed while maintaining green character; has better stability in alkaline systems.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No restrictions under IFRA 49th Amendment. Self-classified as Category 5 (Aldehydes) with recommended maximum 1.5% in leave-on products.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H317 May cause allergic skin reaction

RIFM Assessment

RIFM evaluation ongoing. Preliminary data suggests safe use below 0.5% in rinse-off formulations.

Sustainability

Petrochemical-derived but used at extremely low levels (<0.1% typical) due to high potency. No known ecological toxicity concerns at current usage volumes. Carbon footprint mitigated by efficient synthesis requiring only two reaction steps.

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References

  1. Bauer et al. (2001). Modern Aldehydes in Perfumery. Perfumer & Flavorist. P&F Vol 26

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

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Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID5067891

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 154.253 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.843 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point 199.647 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point -3.031 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 59.209 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.436 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 185.091 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.27 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 3.27 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 3.27 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 4.46 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.003 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.514 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 1.185 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 25.774 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 127.811 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 4 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 48.382 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 19.18 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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