3,5-Dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentadione (CAS 13494-07-0) — Sweet Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
3,5-Dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentadione
CAS 13494-07-0
What Is 3,5-Dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentadione?
3,5-Dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentadione is a synthetic aroma compound with a caramel-like, nutty scent. It’s often found in coffee, chocolate, and tobacco fragrances. This ingredient adds depth and richness to gourmand and oriental perfumes. Its warm, slightly burnt sugar character makes it valuable for creating comforting, indulgent scent profiles in candles, body care products, and fine fragrances.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 3,5-Dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentadione Smell Like?
3,5-Dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentadione greets the nose with an intense caramelized sugar impression, like the crust of crème brûlée fresh from the torch. As it develops, the aroma reveals nutty undertones reminiscent of roasted hazelnuts and a subtle coffee-like bitterness. The dry-down presents a warm, slightly smoky character with lingering maple syrup sweetness. This versatile molecule behaves like a chameleon – in small doses it enhances sweetness, while higher concentrations contribute a bold, almost burnt sugar effect with sophisticated depth.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to amplify the gourmand accord, contributing burnt sugar facets that complement the ethyl maltol sweetness and chocolate notes.
Provides the coffee-like bitter edge that balances the vanilla sweetness, creating a more complex coffee gourmand effect.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC1CC(C)C(=O)C1=O
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3,5-Dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentadione is a cyclic diketone belonging to the cyclopentadione class. While not found in nature, it shares structural similarities with Maillard reaction products that develop during food browning. Industrially synthesized through condensation reactions of methylglyoxal with acetone derivatives, this compound exhibits remarkable thermal stability. Its planar structure and conjugated carbonyl groups contribute to its potent aroma characteristics at very low concentrations.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | White to pale yellow crystalline powder |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 85-87 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Powerful impact material |
| Candles | 0.2-1% | Up to 2% | Withstands high temperatures |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in trace amounts initially – this material has significant potency at low concentrations.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a sweeter, less burnt caramel effect with strawberry undertones. More water-soluble for certain applications.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions currently apply to this material (as of 51st Amendment).
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated this material as safe for current fragrance use levels based on available data.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 3,5-Dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentadione offers consistent quality and supply without agricultural impacts. Its high potency reduces the quantity needed in formulations, minimizing environmental footprint. Production typically uses petrochemical precursors, though bio-based synthesis routes are being explored.
Explore 3,5-Dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentadione
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References
- Blank et al. (2002). Structure-Odor Relationships. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. DOI: 10.1021/jf020465y
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID0047660
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 126.155 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.018 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 182.735 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 91.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 65.086 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.451 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 121.694 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 0.505 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 0.505 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 0.505 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 4.56 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.312 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.778 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 1.833 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 32.32 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 145.254 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 34.14 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 32.736 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 12.977 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.
