3-Buten-2-one, 4-[2,5,6,6-tetramethyl-1(or 2)-cyclohexen-1-yl]- (CAS 54992-91-5) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Green

3-Buten-2-one, 4-[2,5,6,6-tetramethyl-1(or 2)-cyclohexen-1-yl]-

CAS 54992-91-5

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle
IFRA
Professional use
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 3-Buten-2-one, 4-[2,5,6,6-tetramethyl-1(or 2)-cyclohexen-1-yl]-?

This synthetic compound is a specialty fragrance ingredient used by perfumers to create unique olfactory effects. It’s not commonly encountered in everyday products but may appear in niche or avant-garde fragrances. As a synthetic molecule, it offers perfumers precise control over scent profiles, allowing for innovative accords that can’t be achieved with natural materials alone.

Safety Profile

PROFESSIONAL USE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Restricted usage levels
Professional handling recommended
CAS
54992-91-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 3-Buten-2-one, 4-[2,5,6,6-tetramethyl-1(or 2)-cyclohexen-1-yl]- Smell Like?

This synthetic molecule presents a complex olfactory profile that evolves intriguingly on the skin. The initial impression is a sharp, almost metallic greenness with woody undertones, reminiscent of freshly cut branches with sap still flowing. As it develops, the scent reveals a dry, ambery warmth with subtle leathery facets. The dry-down leaves a lingering impression of sun-warmed pine needles and faintly smoky vetiver. Its character is simultaneously fresh and resinous, making it particularly useful for adding depth to modern woody compositions.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

4-(2,5,6,6-Tetramethyl-1(or 2)-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one

SMILES: CC1CCC(=C(C1(C)C)C=CC(=O)C)C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This synthetic compound belongs to the family of cyclohexenyl butenones, characterized by their unsaturated ketone structure. The molecule features a tetramethyl-substituted cyclohexene ring conjugated with a butenone moiety, creating a complex electron system that contributes to its distinctive olfactory properties. While not found in nature, its structure draws inspiration from terpenoid compounds, particularly those found in woody and resinous materials. Synthesis typically involves multi-step organic reactions including alkylation and condensation processes to build the complex cyclic structure.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Moderate
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Used as an accent note
Functional Fragrance0.01-0.1%Up to 0.2%Limited use in functional products

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly in woody bases to add lift and dimension without overwhelming the composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Vertofix Coeur CAS 32388-55-9

A more widely used woody-amber material with better stability and safety profile for similar applications.

2
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

Provides intense woody-dry effects with greater diffusion power when a stronger impact is desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No specific IFRA restriction found. General usage guidelines for unsaturated ketones apply.

RIFM Assessment

No RIFM assessment publicly available. Assume restricted until proven otherwise.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this compound’s environmental impact depends primarily on the manufacturing process. While it doesn’t deplete natural resources, the multi-step synthesis may involve energy-intensive processes and potentially hazardous intermediates. Perfumers should balance its unique olfactory properties against greener alternatives when sustainability is a priority.

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References

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

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 54992-91-5

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight206.32 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)3.2🔬 PubChem
    log Kp (skin permeability)-1.687💻 Calculated
    SMILESCC1CCC(=C(C1(C)C)C=CC(=O)C)C🔬 PubChem

    Odor & Flavor

    Functional Groupsketonealkene💻 RDKit
    Data Sources & Attribution
    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: DTXSID00904392

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 206.32 g/mol🔬 PubChem

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.2 Log10 unitless🔬 PubChem

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 17.07 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 2 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 64.7 cm^3/mol💻 Computed

    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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