3-(4′-Methylbenzylidene)camphor (CAS 36861-47-9) — Woody Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
3-(4'-Methylbenzylidene)camphor
CAS 36861-47-9
What Is 3-(4'-Methylbenzylidene)camphor?
3-(4′-Methylbenzylidene)camphor is a synthetic fragrance ingredient primarily encountered in sunscreens and cosmetic products where it serves dual purposes as a UV filter and fragrance component. Its camphoraceous scent provides a clean, cooling sensation often associated with medicinal or aromatic products. This ingredient matters because it uniquely combines functional sun protection with olfactory characteristics, allowing formulators to reduce ingredient counts while maintaining sensory appeal. It’s particularly valued in products where a fresh, crisp top note is desired alongside UV protection.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 3-(4'-Methylbenzylidene)camphor Smell Like?
This synthetic molecule delivers a sharp, medicinal camphoraceous blast upon first application, reminiscent of mothballs or chest rubs, but with a cleaner, more refined character. The initial harshness quickly mellows into a dry woody-herbal heart with subtle aromatic nuances. As it dries down, it reveals a faintly sweet, almost vanillic undertone that prevents the camphoraceous qualities from becoming overwhelming. The overall effect is cooling and slightly numbing to the nose, like a mentholated effect without the minty freshness. In blends, it provides excellent diffusion and acts as a powerful top note modifier.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used sparingly to enhance the fresh aquatic character and provide cooling sensation that complements the marine notes.
Provides subtle camphoraceous lift to the citrus top notes while contributing to the fragrance’s clean, barbershop character.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC1=CC=C(C=C2C3CCC(C)(C2=O)C3(C)C)C=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3-(4′-Methylbenzylidene)camphor belongs to the benzylidene camphor sulfonic acid class of organic compounds. It is synthesized through the condensation of camphor with 4-methylbenzaldehyde under acidic conditions. The resulting molecule features a rigid camphor skeleton with an aromatic 4-methylbenzylidene substituent, creating a UV-absorbing chromophore system. This structure gives the compound both its photoprotective properties and distinctive odor characteristics. The molecule’s three-dimensional structure and dipole moment contribute to its volatility and scent profile.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 140-142 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunscreens | 1-4% | Up to 6% | Combined UV filter and fragrance |
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Cooling top note effect |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in small quantities to add cooling sensation without overwhelming the composition.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar properties with slightly less intense odor profile, preferred when a subtler effect is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA but usage limited by sunscreen regulations in some markets.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
Under evaluation by RIFM due to potential endocrine activity concerns.
Sustainability
As a synthetic molecule, production involves petrochemical feedstocks but avoids harvesting of natural camphor resources. Manufacturing processes follow standard industrial organic synthesis protocols with typical environmental controls. The molecule’s UV-filter properties can reduce need for additional ingredients in formulations.
Explore 3-(4'-Methylbenzylidene)camphor
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References
- Schlumpf et al. (2001). In vitro and in vivo estrogenicity of UV screens. Environmental Health Perspectives. PMID 11266312
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID8047896
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 254.373 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.043 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 343.64 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 75.502 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 168.251 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.583 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 238.934 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 5.417 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 5.417 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 5.417 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 8.85 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 39.97 dyn/cm📊 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 | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 79.863 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 31.66 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.
