3-Methyl-4-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one (CAS 67801-29-0) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

3-Methyl-4-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one

CAS 67801-29-0

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle to base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 3-Methyl-4-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one?

3-Methyl-4-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one is a synthetic fragrance ingredient primarily used in fine perfumery. Consumers encounter it as a subtle woody-amber nuance in modern fragrances. This molecule contributes to creating warm, sophisticated accords, often enhancing longevity and diffusion in compositions where natural materials might be restricted or unstable.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
IFRA-approved within limits
Potential sensitizer – use at recommended levels
CAS
67801-29-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 3-Methyl-4-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one Smell Like?

This synthetic amber material unfolds with an initial woody-dry character reminiscent of sun-baked driftwood, evolving into a complex heart with subtle fruity undertones. The dry-down reveals a clean, musky-amber foundation with exceptional tenacity. It behaves like a molecular bridge between traditional woody ambers and modern musks, offering diffusive power without overwhelming sweetness.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

3-Buten-2-one, 3-methyl-4-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-

SMILES: CC1CC(C)=CC(C)C1C=C(C)C(C)=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

A synthetic terpenoid ketone with a complex bicyclic structure, this molecule is designed to mimic natural ambergris notes while offering superior stability. Produced through Diels-Alder reactions involving isoprene derivatives, its stereochemistry creates multiple chiral centers that influence odor characteristics. The trimethylcyclohexene ring system provides both volatility control and olfactory persistence.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Molecular Weight~220 g/mol (estimated)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Amber-modifier in modern chypres
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Diffusion enhancer in detergents

Classic Accords

Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent excessive dryness in the dry-down.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

For cleaner ambery effects with less woody character.

2
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

When more pronounced woody-dry effects are desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No specific restrictions under current IFRA standards (Amendment 49).

RIFM Assessment

RIFM evaluation ongoing – preliminary data suggests safe use at current industry levels.

Sustainability

As a purely synthetic material, this compound avoids the ecological pressures associated with natural ambergris sourcing. Modern production methods optimize atom economy and reduce solvent waste compared to earlier synthetic routes to similar molecules.

Explore 3-Methyl-4-(2,4,6-trimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-3-buten-2-one

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

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

    Report a data error

    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID60867338

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 206.329 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.911 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 277.25 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 35.525 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 113.018 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.505 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 223.535 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.29 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 4.29 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 4.29 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.9 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.045 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 31.574 dyn/cm📊 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 2 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 66.278 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 26.275 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.

    Similar Posts