4,4a,6,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-1,4-methanonaphthalen-5(1H)-one (CAS 51519-65-4) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

4,4a,6,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-1,4-methanonaphthalen-5(1H)-one

CAS 51519-65-4

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

What Is 4,4a,6,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-1,4-methanonaphthalen-5(1H)-one?

This synthetic fragrance ingredient is a complex bicyclic ketone used in modern perfumery to create woody-ambery accords. It’s found in niche and designer fragrances seeking a sophisticated, slightly camphoraceous character. The molecule offers perfumers a unique bridge between dry woods and warm ambers, contributing to contemporary scent profiles that balance freshness with depth.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
IFRA compliant at standard usage levels
Potential skin sensitizer at high concentrations
CAS
51519-65-4
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 4,4a,6,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-1,4-methanonaphthalen-5(1H)-one Smell Like?

A sophisticated woody-ambery character unfolds with an initial crisp, camphor-like freshness reminiscent of crushed pine needles. The heart reveals a smooth transition into warm, slightly musky undertones with facets of aged cedarwood and distant leather. Dry-down presents a subtle powdery-amber quality that lingers close to the skin, creating an elegant trail. The overall impression is of a modern interpretation of classic woody materials, offering both diffusion and tenacity.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

4,4a,6,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-1,4-methanonaphthalen-5(1H)-one

SMILES: O=C1CCCC2C3CC(C=C3)C12

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This bicyclic ketone belongs to the family of norcamphor derivatives, synthesized through Diels-Alder reactions of cyclopentadiene with appropriate dienophiles followed by oxidation. The rigid molecular framework creates distinctive odor characteristics through its constrained conformational geometry. While purely synthetic in commercial use, related structures occur naturally in some resinous materials. The molecule’s compact size contributes to good volatility and diffusion properties.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular ClassBicyclic ketone
Structural TypeNorcamphor derivative

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Good with woody materials
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Woody-amber modifier
Functional Fragrance0.5-1%Up to 2%Dry woody accent

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a bridge between fresh top notes and deep base materials to enhance diffusion.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

Offers similar woody-diffusive properties with greater tenacity and less camphoraceous character.

2
Iso E Super CAS 54464-57-2

Provides comparable woody aspects with smoother amber undertones and better blending versatility.

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

Not currently evaluated by RIFM – considered safe at standard usage levels based on structural analogs.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this compound avoids natural resource depletion concerns. Production typically involves petrochemical feedstocks, though modern synthesis routes aim for atom efficiency. The material’s potency allows for low usage levels, reducing environmental load compared to less powerful alternatives.

Explore 4,4a,6,7,8,8a-Hexahydro-1,4-methanonaphthalen-5(1H)-one

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References

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

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID2052154

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 162.232 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 1.088 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 255.557 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 16.218 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 100.234 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.546 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 146.977 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.148 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 2.148 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 2.148 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.73 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.004 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.024 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 6.978 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 37.122 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 118.64 mW/(m*K)📊 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 0 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 46.568 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 18.461 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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