2-Methyl-4-(camphenyl-8)-cyclohexanone (CAS 68901-22-4) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

2-Methyl-4-(camphenyl-8)-cyclohexanone

CAS 68901-22-4

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle to base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 2-Methyl-4-(camphenyl-8)-cyclohexanone?

2-Methyl-4-(camphenyl-8)-cyclohexanone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery for its unique woody and camphoraceous notes. You might encounter it in high-end colognes and woody perfumes where it adds depth and complexity. This ingredient matters because it helps create sophisticated, long-lasting fragrance profiles that evolve beautifully on the skin.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated concentrations
Not fully characterized in consumer safety databases
CAS
68901-22-4
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2-Methyl-4-(camphenyl-8)-cyclohexanone Smell Like?

2-Methyl-4-(camphenyl-8)-cyclohexanone opens with a crisp, camphoraceous blast reminiscent of freshly cracked peppermint and eucalyptus, but quickly settles into a refined woody heart. The dry-down reveals a sophisticated cedar-like character with subtle hints of dry tobacco leaves. Its evolution is remarkable – starting bright and medicinal, then warming to a comforting, masculine woodiness that lingers close to the skin for hours.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Santal 33(Le Labo, 2011)

Used as a woody-modifier to enhance the sandalwood illusion, contributing to that signature pencil-shaving sharpness that makes this fragrance instantly recognizable.

Terre d'Hermès(Hermès, 2006)

Provides the mineral-flinty edge to the vetiver heart, creating that distinctive earthy-woody tension that defines this modern classic.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

4-[(3,3-Dimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl)methyl]-2-methylcyclohexan-1-one

SMILES: CC1CC(CCC1=O)C1C2CCC(C2)C1(C)C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2-Methyl-4-(camphenyl-8)-cyclohexanone belongs to the bicyclic terpenoid ketone class, structurally related to camphor but with modified ring geometry that alters its olfactory properties. While not found in nature, it shares structural motifs with various terpenoids. Synthesis typically begins with camphene derivatives through controlled oxidation and rearrangement reactions. The methyl group at position 2 creates steric hindrance that affects volatility and odor characteristics.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor StrengthMedium to high

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Good with woods, spices
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Woody-modifier in masculine accords
Home Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 3%Adds dry woody character

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to add dryness and lift to overly sweet woody compositions.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

When a more diffusive, transparent woodiness is needed. Norlimbanol has higher volatility and less camphoraceous character.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. No specific usage limits established.

RIFM Assessment

Not yet fully evaluated by RIFM. Considered low priority due to limited market presence.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this compound doesn’t rely on natural resource extraction. However, its production requires petrochemical feedstocks and energy-intensive processes. The fragrance industry is investigating greener synthesis routes to reduce environmental impact.

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References

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

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID9052426

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 234.383 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.975 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 315.738 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 44.835 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 134.958 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.496 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 240.22 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.223 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 4.223 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 4.223 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 7.37 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.001 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 6.534 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 33.133 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 109.397 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 70.209 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 27.833 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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