2-Pentadecanone (CAS 2345-28-0) — Musky Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Musky · Balsamic

2-Pentadecanone

CAS 2345-28-0

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 2-Pentadecanone?

2-Pentadecanone is a synthetic musk compound used in perfumery to add depth and longevity to fragrances. It’s found in many personal care products like lotions and detergents. This ingredient matters because it helps create the warm, skin-like base notes that make fragrances last longer on your body.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Approved for cosmetic use
Potential bioaccumulation concerns
CAS
2345-28-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Musky · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2-Pentadecanone Smell Like?

2-Pentadecanone delivers a soft, musky warmth reminiscent of sun-warmed skin. Its odor profile is subtle yet persistent, blending animalic undertones with a clean, powdery dryness. Unlike sharp synthetic musks, this ketone unfolds gradually, leaving a velvety trail that enhances other base notes without overpowering them. The dry-down resembles the faint, comforting scent of well-worn cotton sheets.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2-Pentadecanone belongs to the aliphatic ketone class, synthesized through Friedel-Crafts acylation of long-chain fatty acids. Its 15-carbon backbone provides optimal volatility for base note applications. The ketone functional group contributes to its mild polarity, influencing both odor characteristics and solubility in common fragrance carriers.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (hours-days)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Musky base note enhancer
Detergents0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Long-lasting scent retention

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a fixative for citrus top notes to prevent rapid evaporation.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Muscone CAS 541-91-3

More expensive natural musk alternative with greater diffusion but similar tenacity.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No current IFRA restrictions.

RIFM Assessment

Under review for environmental persistence assessment.

Sustainability

As a synthetic musk, 2-Pentadecanone avoids the ethical concerns of animal-derived musks but requires petrochemical feedstocks. Recent advances in bio-catalysis may offer greener synthesis routes in future production cycles.

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References

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

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