3-Cyclopentene-1-butanal, alpha,2,2,3-tetramethyl-.gamma.-methylene (CAS 166432-53-7) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

3-Cyclopentene-1-butanal, alpha,2,2,3-tetramethyl-.gamma.-methylene

CAS 166432-53-7

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

What Is 3-Cyclopentene-1-butanal, alpha,2,2,3-tetramethyl-.gamma.-methylene?

3-Cyclopentene-1-butanal, alpha,2,2,3-tetramethyl-.gamma.-methylene is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in fine fragrances and personal care products. It adds woody, amber-like nuances to compositions. Consumers encounter this ingredient in premium perfumes where it contributes to sophisticated dry-down accords. This molecule matters because it offers perfumers a unique balance between woody and balsamic characteristics, enabling creative flexibility in modern fragrance design.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe when used as directed
Potential sensitizer – use caution
CAS
166432-53-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 3-Cyclopentene-1-butanal, alpha,2,2,3-tetramethyl-.gamma.-methylene Smell Like?

This synthetic molecule opens with a surprising burst of woody-green freshness, like the first snap of a young pine branch. Within minutes, it evolves into a warm ambered heart reminiscent of sun-baked cedar planks. The dry-down reveals a sophisticated balsamic depth, with subtle hints of dried fruit peel and a whisper of leathery musk. Its behavior on skin is remarkably persistent, unfolding gradually over hours rather than disappearing abruptly.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

3-Cyclopentene-1-butanal, .alpha.,2,2,3-tetramethyl-.gamma.-methylene-

SMILES: CC(CC(=C)C1CC=C(C)C1(C)C)C=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

3-Cyclopentene-1-butanal belongs to the family of modified terpenoids, specifically a cyclopentene derivative with aldehyde functionality. Its synthesis typically involves Diels-Alder reactions followed by careful oxidation steps. The tetramethyl substitution pattern creates significant steric hindrance, influencing both its odor characteristics and chemical reactivity. While not found in nature, its structural motifs echo those found in degraded sesquiterpenoids.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (8+ hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Provides woody-amber foundation
Personal Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Used for subtle dry-down effects

Classic Accords

Tip: Combine with ionones to enhance woody character without overpowering floral heart notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

When seeking more pronounced woody-dry effects with less balsamic sweetness.

2
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

For cleaner ambery effects with superior diffusion and less coloration issues.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted under IFRA standards. Monitoring recommended due to structural alerts.

EU Allergen Declaration

Not listed in EU allergen regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 Annex III.

GHS Classification

H315 Causes skin irritation H317 May cause allergic skin reaction

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests moderate skin sensitization potential.

Sustainability

As a fully synthetic material, this ingredient avoids natural resource depletion concerns. However, its synthesis requires petrochemical feedstocks and energy-intensive processes. Future green chemistry approaches may improve its environmental profile through catalytic methods and renewable raw materials.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 16643253-7 PubChem
  2. IFRA Standards Library IFRA

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

Report a data error

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID60888760

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 206.329 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.881 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 263.24 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 12.401 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 113.68 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.467 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 231.155 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.317 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 4.317 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 4.317 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.33 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.019 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 1.494 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 27.889 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 122.031 mW/(m*K)📊 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 4 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 64.109 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 25.415 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.

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