2-Undecanone (CAS 0112-12-9) — Musky Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Undecanone
CAS 0112-12-9
What Is 2-Undecanone?
2-Undecanone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a waxy, fruity-musky odor. It’s found in some perfumes and functional fragrances like detergents. This molecule matters because it provides a clean, diffusive musk note that blends well with both floral and citrus accords.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 2-Undecanone Smell Like?
2-Undecanone opens with a crisp, waxy-green character reminiscent of freshly cut cucumber skins. As it evolves, a subtle fruity undertone emerges – think underripe bananas with a hint of melon rind. The dry-down reveals its true nature: a clean musk that lingers close to the skin with excellent diffusion. Unlike animalic musks, this maintains a bright, almost citrusy quality that prevents heaviness.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
2-Undecanone is a methyl ketone with an 11-carbon chain. While trace amounts occur naturally in some foods, commercial production is entirely synthetic via oxidation of 2-undecanol or Friedel-Crafts acylation. The molecule’s linear structure gives it excellent stability in alkaline formulations. Its relatively low molecular weight contributes to good volatility as a top-to-middle note.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 228-230 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.825 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 96 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Musky modifier |
| Functional Fragrances | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Diffusive freshness |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to add diffusion to citrus colognes without animalic undertones.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted under current IFRA standards.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 2-Undecanone avoids natural resource depletion concerns. Production typically uses petrochemical feedstocks, though bio-based routes are being explored. Its efficiency at low usage levels makes it relatively sustainable compared to some natural musks.
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References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 0112-12-9Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 170.29 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.1🔬 PubChem |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -0.828💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | citrusfatty• leffingwell |
| “herbaceous fragrance types, in herbal-spicy beta-Oxoundecane. Fruity-rosy, Orange-like odor, slightly her- G.R.A.S. Oily-fruity, also herbaceous taste with a 2) from Decanoic acid and Acetic acid, heat- slightly Coconut-like note.”📖 Arctander | |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 0.1453 ppm (n=5)📖 van Gemert |
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.
