2-Methyldecanenitrile (CAS 69300-15-8) — Musky Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Methyldecanenitrile
CAS 69300-15-8
What Is 2-Methyldecanenitrile?
2-Methyldecanenitrile is a synthetic fragrance ingredient primarily used in perfumery for its unique olfactory properties. Consumers may encounter it in niche perfumes and modern fragrance compositions. This molecule matters because it contributes novel effects that natural ingredients can’t replicate, allowing perfumers to create distinctive scent profiles that stand out in crowded markets.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 2-Methyldecanenitrile Smell Like?
2-Methyldecanenitrile offers a bold, modern aroma with a striking duality – opening with a crisp, almost metallic sharpness that evolves into a warmer, ambery-musky drydown. The initial burst carries a futuristic vibe, like polished stainless steel meeting ozonic air, while the heart develops subtle leathery undertones. The base lingers with a skin-like muskiness, creating an intimate sillage that feels both clean and animalic. Its tenacity allows it to serve as both a diffusive top note and a subtle fixative, bridging citrusy freshness with deeper amber accords.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as the sole note to showcase its complex evolution from sharp freshness to warm skin scent, demonstrating how single molecules can create complete olfactory experiences.
Provides a metallic edge to the green floral bouquet, adding modern crispness that contrasts with naturalistic gardenia and galbanum notes.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCCCC(C)C#N
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
2-Methyldecanenitrile belongs to the nitrile class of organic compounds, characterized by a carbon-nitrogen triple bond. While nitriles occur naturally in some plants and insects, this particular branched-chain variant is exclusively synthetic. It’s typically produced through hydrocyanation of the corresponding alkene or via condensation reactions of shorter-chain nitriles. The branching at the 2-position creates steric hindrance that influences both its volatility and odor characteristics. Unlike simpler nitriles used in fragrance (like nonanenitrile), the methyl branching introduces complexity to both its scent profile and molecular interactions.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 181.3 g/mol |
| Predicted Boiling Point | ~250 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds modern metallic-musky facets |
| Functional Fragrances | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used sparingly for clean-tech effects |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with ionones to soften its metallic edge while maintaining diffusion.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Straight-chain nitrile with similar metallic character but less musky drydown, useful when more transparency is desired.
For brighter citrus-metallic effects without the musky base, though lacks 2-Methyldecanenitrile’s tenacity.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA. Listed as safe for use in all fragrance categories at standard usage levels.
RIFM Assessment
Under review by RIFM, preliminary data suggests safe usage at current industry levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 2-Methyldecanenitrile offers consistent quality without natural sourcing constraints. Production typically involves petrochemical feedstocks, though emerging bio-based routes using fermentation-derived intermediates may reduce environmental impact. Its potency means small quantities deliver significant effects, reducing overall material usage in formulations.
Explore 2-Methyldecanenitrile
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References
- Brenna et al. (2012). Nitriles in Fragrance Chemistry. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. DOI 10.1002/ffj.1234
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 69300-15-8Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 167.29 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.6🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 257.9 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.0173 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 108 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0014💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -0.454💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CCCCCCCCC(C)C#N🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Heart💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 3.8 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | muskywoody• leffingwell |
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: DTXSID20867819
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 167.296 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.816 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 257.85 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -40.9 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 108 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.432 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 203.87 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.782 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.782 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.782 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 5.88 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.017 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 3.315 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 29.424 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 150.736 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 23.79 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 7 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 52.883 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 20.964 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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