4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran (CAS 494-90-6) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran

CAS 494-90-6

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran?

4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery. It is often found in modern fragrances to add woody, amber, or slightly spicy nuances. This ingredient matters because it helps create depth and longevity in fragrances, often used as a base note to anchor lighter components.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for individual sensitivity
CAS
494-90-6
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran Smell Like?

This molecule offers a warm, woody aroma with subtle spicy undertones. It evolves from a slightly sharp initial impression to a smooth, amber-like dry-down. The scent is reminiscent of aged woods with a hint of dried herbs, making it versatile for both masculine and feminine fragrances.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Synthetic Amber(Modern Perfumery, 2020)

Used to create a warm, woody base that enhances longevity and adds depth to the fragrance.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Menthofuran

SMILES: CC1CCC2=C(C1)OC=C2C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran is a synthetic aromatic compound belonging to the benzofuran class. It is typically synthesized through catalytic hydrogenation of dimethylbenzofuran derivatives. The molecule’s structure contributes to its stability and slow evaporation rate, making it ideal for base notes.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointN/A
DensityN/A

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (hours to days)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Adds woody depth

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in small amounts to avoid overpowering other notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

A more potent amber alternative with similar woody characteristics.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions currently apply.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM safety assessment pending.

Sustainability

As a synthetic ingredient, it is produced in controlled environments with minimal environmental impact. Its synthesis avoids the need for natural resource extraction.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for 4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran PubChem

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 494-90-6

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight150.22 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)3🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point80 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.486💻 Calculated
SMILESCC1CCC2=C(C1)OC=C2C🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteTop💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsbalsamicwoody• leffingwell
Functional Groupsaromatic💻 RDKit
“Sweet, haylike-minty odor, sometimes referred to as "Lactone"-odor. Moderate to poor tenacity. The initial impression is that of a very pungent and sharp odor.”📖 Arctander
4,5,6,7-Tetrahydro-3,6-dimethylbenzofuran has an odor very similar to that of menthol.📖 Fenaroli

Flavor Notes (Arctander)

“The taste - in dilutions lower than 10 ppm - is slightly bitter, almost tarry and not very pleasant. ical key to the identification of Mentha piperita oil – has found a little use in flavor compositions, mainly as a minor component in artificial "Peppermint" oils, based upon Mentha arvensis oils. Me”📖 Arctander

Sensory Thresholds

Odor Detection Threshold0.0001 ppm (n=2)📖 van Gemert

Regulatory Status

IOFI ClassificationNature Identical📖 Fenaroli

Trade Names

Gyrane (Givaudan).📖 Surburg
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: DTXSID9025534

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 150.221 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.965 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point 201.826 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 86 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Flash Point 75.357 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.49 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 155.324 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.143 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 4.143 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 4.143 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 4.85 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.004 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.222 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 3.113 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 30.322 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 13.14 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 0 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 44.872 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 17.788 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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