3-Dodecyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one (CAS 73263-36-2) — Musky Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Musky · Woody

3-Dodecyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one

CAS 73263-36-2

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

What Is 3-Dodecyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one?

3-Dodecyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one is a synthetic fragrance ingredient primarily used in perfumery to add subtle musky and fruity nuances. You won’t encounter it directly, but it may be part of the complex scent profiles in fine fragrances or personal care products. This molecule matters because it helps perfumers create long-lasting, sophisticated accords, particularly in modern floral and woody compositions where a clean musk effect is desired.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major restrictions in current IFRA guidelines
Limited toxicological data available
CAS
73263-36-2
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Musky · Woody
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 3-Dodecyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one Smell Like?

This synthetic musk presents as a clean, intimate scent with surprising complexity. Initially, it offers a faintly fruity character reminiscent of peach skin or overripe apricot, quickly transitioning to a soft musky heart with hints of freshly laundered cotton. The dry-down reveals a subtle woody undertone, behaving like a quiet harmonic that amplifies surrounding florals without announcing itself. Its tenacity is remarkable for such a lightweight molecule, clinging to skin for hours as a barely-there veil of sophistication.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2(3H)-Furanone, 3-dodecyldihydro-

SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCC1CCOC1=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

As a synthetic furanone derivative, 3-Dodecyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one belongs to the class of cyclic esters with a long alkyl chain. Its structure combines the lactone functionality of furanones with the hydrophobic character of dodecyl groups, explaining its dual fruity-musky odor profile. Industrial synthesis typically involves ring-closing reactions of appropriate hydroxy acids or oxidation of corresponding furans. The molecule’s conformational flexibility allows it to interact with multiple olfactory receptors, creating its nuanced scent character.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular ClassFuranone derivative
Odor TypeMusky-fruity

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (8+ hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used as musky enhancer
Personal Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Skin-sensory modifier

Classic Accords

Tip: Use below 3% to avoid masking delicate top notes while maintaining musky persistence.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ethylene Brassylate CAS 105-95-3

For stronger musk effect with less fruity nuance.

2
Galaxolide CAS 1222-05-5

When a brighter, more diffusive musk is needed.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No specific IFRA restrictions currently apply to this material (as of Amendment 51).

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM; preliminary data suggests low sensitization potential.

Sustainability

As a purely synthetic material, 3-Dodecyldihydrofuran-2(3H)-one doesn’t rely on agricultural resources. Its production typically involves petrochemical feedstocks, though modern green chemistry approaches may offer more sustainable synthesis routes. The molecule’s potency means only small quantities are needed, reducing overall environmental load compared to less powerful musks.

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References

  1. IFRA Standards Library (2023). Amendment 51. IFRA
  2. Brenna, E. et al. (2012). Synthetic Musks in Perfumery. Chemistry & Biodiversity. DOI:10.1002/cbdv.201100323

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

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Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID50868238

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 254.414 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.905 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 336.895 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 24.574 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 146.601 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.456 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 278.896 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 5.962 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 5.962 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 5.962 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 8.95 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
Viscosity 7.202 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 32.303 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 26.3 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 11 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 75.838 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 30.065 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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