3a,4,5,6,7,7a-Hexahydro-5-methoxy-4,7-methano-1H-indene (CAS 53018-24-9) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

3a,4,5,6,7,7a-Hexahydro-5-methoxy-4,7-methano-1H-indene

CAS 53018-24-9

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

What Is 3a,4,5,6,7,7a-Hexahydro-5-methoxy-4,7-methano-1H-indene?

This synthetic fragrance ingredient is a complex molecule used in modern perfumery to create unique woody-ambery effects. You’ll find it in niche and avant-garde fragrances pushing olfactory boundaries. It matters because it represents perfumery’s ability to engineer novel scent experiences beyond traditional natural materials, offering perfumers unprecedented creative control.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Stable under normal use conditions
Limited toxicological data available
CAS
53018-24-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 3a,4,5,6,7,7a-Hexahydro-5-methoxy-4,7-methano-1H-indene Smell Like?

A sophisticated synthetic with a paradoxical duality – simultaneously woody and ethereal. Opens with crisp camphoraceous facets reminiscent of antique wooden chests, evolving into a heart of smooth ambered warmth with subtle metallic undertones. The dry-down reveals an almost mineralic purity, like sun-warmed stones in a pine forest. Exceptionally diffusive with excellent tenacity, it behaves like a chameleon – amplifying woody notes in one context while enhancing ambers in another.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

4,7-Methano-1H-indene, 3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-5-methoxy-

SMILES: COC1CC2CC1C1C=CCC21

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This bicyclic ether belongs to the family of synthetic amber chemicals derived from modified terpene structures. The methoxy group at position 5 contributes significantly to its odor profile. Synthesized through Diels-Alder reactions followed by selective oxidation and etherification steps, its rigid molecular architecture creates exceptional stability. The stereochemistry at the methano bridge positions influences its olfactory characteristics, with different isomers exhibiting varying intensity and tonal qualities.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular ComplexityHigh
Structural ClassBicyclic ether

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Specialized
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used as sophisticated woody-amber modifier
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%For premium woody fabric care products

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in trace amounts to add dimensionality to woody bases without overwhelming the composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

More ambery and less woody, suitable when seeking warmer dry-down characteristics.

2
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

For more pronounced woody facets with cedar-like dryness.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted under any IFRA amendment.

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM as part of novel synthetic materials assessment program.

Sustainability

As a fully synthetic material, its production avoids natural resource depletion but requires petrochemical feedstocks. Recent advances in catalytic processes have improved atom economy in its synthesis. Being highly potent, it requires minimal quantities per formulation, reducing overall environmental burden compared to some natural alternatives.

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References

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

    Report a data error

    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 53018-24-9

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight164.24 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)2.1🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point219.1 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0.39 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point86 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Involatility Index0.0328💻 Calculated
    log Kp (skin permeability)-2.211💻 Calculated
    SMILESCOC1CC2CC1C3C2CC=C3🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteTop💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassSlow💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score0.6 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Functional Groupsetheralkene💻 RDKit
    Data Sources & Attribution
    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: DTXSID10866295

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 164.248 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 1.01 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
    Boiling Point 219.1 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Melting Point 53.608 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 86 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Refractive Index 1.53 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 156.751 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 3876.925 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX
    LogD (pH 5.5) 3.61 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 3.61 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.22 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.499 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
    Viscosity 6.393 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 34.474 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 111.413 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 9.23 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 1 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 48.387 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 19.182 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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