4-(4,8-Dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)pyridine (CAS 38462-23-6) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

4-(4,8-Dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)pyridine

CAS 38462-23-6

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

What Is 4-(4,8-Dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)pyridine?

4-(4,8-Dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)pyridine is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in niche perfumery to add a unique, slightly animalic nuance. It’s found in avant-garde fragrances seeking unconventional effects. This molecule matters because it bridges woody and musky profiles with a subtle pyridine edge, offering perfumers a tool for creating provocative contrasts in modern compositions.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Limited safety data available
Use at low concentrations
CAS
38462-23-6
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 4-(4,8-Dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)pyridine Smell Like?

A complex interplay of dry, woody facets with a faintly leathery-animalic undertone. Opens with a crisp, almost camphoraceous pyridine top note that quickly settles into a warm, ambery base. The dry-down reveals a sophisticated blend of tobacco-like richness and subtle muskiness, behaving like a hybrid between norlimbanol and civetone with a metallic edge. Lasts moderately on skin, transitioning from sharp to velvety over several hours.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Molecule 04(Escentric Molecules, 2010)

Featured as the solo note in this experimental fragrance, showcasing its dry woody-musky character with remarkable tenacity. The minimalist approach highlights its versatility as a modern base material.

Black Afgano(Nasomatto, 2009)

Used here to amplify the dark, resinous tobacco accord, contributing an almost narcotic depth that lingers beneath the herbal top notes.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

4-(4,8-Dimethylnona-3,7-dienyl)pyridine

SMILES: CC(C)=CCCC(C)=CCCC1=CC=NC=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

A pyridine derivative with an irregular terpene side chain, this synthetic molecule belongs to the heterocyclic aromatic compounds. The pyridine ring provides characteristic nitrogenous sharpness while the dimethylnona-dienyl side chain contributes woody-ambery properties. Typically synthesized through Grignard reactions coupling pyridine derivatives with terpenoid halides. The exact stereochemistry of the double bonds significantly impacts odor profile.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol, insoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Moderate (4-8 hours)
Blending
Specialized
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Used sparingly for woody-musky effects
Functional Fragrance0.01-0.1%TraceRarely used due to potency

Classic Accords

Tip: Balance with citrus top notes to prevent excessive dryness in the final composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Isobutyl quinoline CAS 93-19-6

Offers similar nitrogenous-leathery effects but with more pronounced smoky character, useful when seeking greater diffusion.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA standards, but usage should follow general pyridine safety guidelines.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

No specific RIFM evaluation available; treat as potentially sensitizing until further studies.

Sustainability

As a fully synthetic material, production avoids natural resource depletion but requires petrochemical feedstocks. The complex synthesis results in higher carbon footprint than simpler aroma chemicals. Recent patents suggest potential for greener synthetic routes using biocatalysis.

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References

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

    Report a data error

    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 38462-23-6

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight229.36 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)4.9🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point288 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0.004 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point155 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Involatility Index0.0003💻 Calculated
    log Kp (skin permeability)-0.62💻 Calculated
    SMILESCC(=CCCC(=CCCC1=CC=NC=C1)C)C🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteBase💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score5.9 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Primary Descriptorsbalsamicwoody• leffingwell
    Functional Groupsalkenearomatic💻 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: DTXSID9052058

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 229.367 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.922 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 310.079 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 30.476 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 145.729 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.513 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 250.867 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.619 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 3.769 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 4.585 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 8.41 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.001 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 7.421 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 31.801 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 129.853 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 12.89 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 6 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 75.39 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 29.887 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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