3-Methoxy-5-cresol (CAS 3209-13-0) — Spicy Heart to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
3-Methoxy-5-cresol
CAS 3209-13-0
What Is 3-Methoxy-5-cresol?
3-Methoxy-5-cresol is a synthetic aromatic compound primarily used in perfumery for its warm, spicy, and slightly medicinal scent. Consumers may encounter it in niche fragrances or as a supporting note in spicy oriental compositions. This ingredient matters because it adds depth and complexity to fragrance accords, particularly those aiming for a phenolic or smoky character without overwhelming the blend.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 3-Methoxy-5-cresol Smell Like?
3-Methoxy-5-cresol presents a complex aromatic profile that evolves from initial phenolic sharpness to a warm, spicy heart. The opening carries medicinal undertones reminiscent of clove oil or antiseptic, which gradually soften into a leathery, smoky character. In drydown, it reveals subtle sweet nuances akin to dried fruits or aged tobacco. The material behaves like a chameleon – in small doses it adds peppery lift, while at higher concentrations it contributes a tarry depth that recalls birch tar or guaiac wood.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: COC1=CC(C)=CC(O)=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3-Methoxy-5-cresol belongs to the phenol ether class, structurally featuring a methoxy group adjacent to a phenolic hydroxyl. This synthetic molecule doesn’t occur naturally but shares structural similarities with guaiacol derivatives found in wood smoke. Industrial synthesis typically involves methylation of cresol precursors under controlled conditions. The meta-substitution pattern creates unique electronic effects that influence both its odor characteristics and chemical reactivity compared to ortho- or para-isomers.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | Approx. 220-240 °C (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Used for spicy-leathery accents |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Masking agent in industrial applications |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to counterbalance phenolic harshness in masculine fragrances.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More pronounced smoky character, useful when stronger phenolic notes are desired.
Offers similar spicy profile with added wine-like nuances for gourmand applications.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA standards. General phenol guidelines apply regarding skin sensitization potential.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
Not currently evaluated by RIFM. Recommended usage levels based on structural analogs.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 3-Methoxy-5-cresol production doesn’t rely on natural resources but requires energy-intensive chemical processes. Supply chain considerations include benzene derivative sourcing and responsible handling of phenolic intermediates. The material’s longevity in fragrance reduces need for frequent reapplication compared to more volatile alternatives.
Explore 3-Methoxy-5-cresol
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Ingredient Data Sheet
CAS 3209-13-0Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 138.16 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.9🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 250 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.0182 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 135.6 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0017💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.194💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC1=CC(=CC(=C1)OC)O🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Heart💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 2.5 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | phenolicsweet• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | phenoletheraromatic💻 RDKit |
| “Dry-woody-tarry, also Walnut-like odor of good tenacity. Although not nearly as dry as the cresols, this material is less sweet than the -dimethylether (see previous monograph) and less Nut-like. However, it is still an Oakmoss-type material, and it finds use as such in perfume compositions.”📖 Arctander | |
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: DTXSID1047443
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 138.166 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.077 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 246.084 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 63 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 117.384 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.531 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 128.141 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 0.9 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 1.963 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 1.962 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.6 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.032 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.021 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 6.983 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 36.789 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 146.868 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 29.46 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 39.638 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 15.714 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.
