3-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate (CAS 31846-06-07) — Woody Top to Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
3-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate
CAS 31846-06-07
What Is 3-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate?
3-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in modern perfumery. It’s found in many fresh, woody, and masculine fragrances. This molecule matters because it adds a crisp, clean woody character with excellent diffusion, making it popular in body care products and fine fragrances aiming for a contemporary vibe.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 3-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate Smell Like?
3-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate delivers a crisp, woody aroma with distinct freshness. Imagine freshly planed cedarwood with a sparkling ozonic edge – like walking through a lumberyard after rain. The acetate group lends a clean, slightly fruity nuance that prevents the woodiness from becoming heavy. It maintains excellent linearity throughout evaporation, making it reliable for functional perfumery. In dilution, it reveals subtle floral undertones reminiscent of magnolia petals.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a woody-modifier in the heart, adding crispness to the incense-amber accord while enhancing the fragrance’s modern masculinity.
Provides the clean woody backbone that supports the citrus top notes, creating a sporty yet sophisticated effect.
Contributes to the marine-woody character, blending with patchouli and incense for a contemporary aquatic depth.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate is a synthetic monoterpenoid derivative featuring a bulky tert-butyl group at the 3-position of a cyclohexyl ring. The acetate ester enhances volatility while moderating the woody character. Industrially produced via Friedel-Crafts alkylation of cyclohexene followed by acetylation, this molecule demonstrates how strategic substitution patterns can dramatically alter olfactory properties. The tert-butyl group creates significant steric hindrance, influencing both odor character and molecular interactions with olfactory receptors.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | ≈230-240 °C (estimated) |
| Density | ≈0.92-0.94 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Woody-modifier in masculine accords |
| Body Care | 0.5-1.5% | Up to 2% | Fresh woody character in deodorants |
| Functional Products | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Clean background note |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent the woody character from becoming too heavy in the opening.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No current IFRA restrictions. Listed as safe under IFRA 49th Amendment.
RIFM Assessment
Under review by RIFM; preliminary data suggests low sensitization potential.
Sustainability
As a fully synthetic material, 3-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate has minimal environmental impact in production compared to natural wood extracts. Its efficient synthesis from petrochemical feedstocks makes it a sustainable choice for woody notes, reducing pressure on forest resources. The molecule’s potency allows for low usage levels in formulations.
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References
- Brenna et al. (2002). Structure-Odor Relationships. Chemical Reviews. DOI: 10.1021/cr000664p
- IFRA Standards Library. 49th Amendment. IFRA 49th
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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