2-Methyl-5-phenylpentanol (CAS 25634-93-9) — Floral Heart to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Methyl-5-phenylpentanol
CAS 25634-93-9
What Is 2-Methyl-5-phenylpentanol?
2-Methyl-5-phenylpentanol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumes and personal care products. It contributes a subtle floral-musky character often found in modern feminine fragrances. This molecule matters because it provides long-lasting floralcy without being overpowering, making it valuable for creating balanced compositions that evolve beautifully on skin.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 2-Methyl-5-phenylpentanol Smell Like?
2-Methyl-5-phenylpentanol unfolds with a delicate floral-musky character reminiscent of rose petals dusted with powdered sugar. The initial impression carries a soft fruitiness akin to ripe pear skins, transitioning to a heart of pale woods and clean linen. As it dries down, it reveals a subtle honeyed warmth with whispers of orris root and ambrette seed. The overall effect is intimate and skin-like, with excellent tenacity that lingers as a sophisticated floral-musk base.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to enhance the floralcy of the quince-jasmine accord while providing a soft musky foundation that makes the fragrance linger close to the skin.
Contributes to the peony-rose heart’s radiance while preventing excessive sweetness, creating a modern interpretation of floral freshness.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(CO)CCCC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
2-Methyl-5-phenylpentanol belongs to the phenylpentanol class of aromatic alcohols. While not found in nature, its structure mimics certain floral components. Typically synthesized via Grignard reactions or hydrogenation of corresponding aldehydes. The methyl branch at position 2 creates steric hindrance that influences its odor profile and volatility.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | Estimated 250-280°C |
| Density | Estimated 0.95-1.05 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Floral-musk modifier |
| Body Care | 0.5-1% | Up to 2% | Skin-scent enhancer |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to bridge floral and musky notes while adding diffusion to white musks.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a more pronounced rosy character with less muskiness, though lacks the tenacity of 2-methyl-5-phenylpentanol.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
Under evaluation by RIFM with preliminary data showing no significant concerns.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, production avoids agricultural land use. Typical synthesis routes have moderate environmental impact, though exact manufacturing processes vary by supplier.
Explore 2-Methyl-5-phenylpentanol
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Synthetic Musks in Fragrances. Perfumer & Flavorist.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID70885306
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 178.275 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.973 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 269.584 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 15.031 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 119.058 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.512 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 186.16 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.366 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.256 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.366 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 8.5 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.002 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.004 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 15.544 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 36.003 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 147.888 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 | 5 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 55.827 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 22.132 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.
![Benzoic acid, 2-[[[3-(4-hydroxy-4-methylpentyl)-3-cyclohexen-1-yl]methylene]amino],methyl ester (CAS 68039-34-9) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient](https://thegoodscents.company/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/benzoic-acid-2-3-1-1-768x439.webp)
