4,7,7-Trimethyl-6-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane (CAS 68398-18-5) — Woody Top to Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Spicy

4,7,7-Trimethyl-6-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane

CAS 68398-18-5

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

What Is 4,7,7-Trimethyl-6-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane?

4,7,7-Trimethyl-6-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add unique sulfurous and woody nuances to perfumes. It’s found in niche fragrances seeking unconventional olfactory profiles. This compound matters because it bridges the gap between traditional woody notes and modern metallic/sulfurous accords, offering perfumers a tool for avant-garde compositions.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated concentrations
Potential sensitizer – use caution
CAS
68398-18-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Spicy
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 4,7,7-Trimethyl-6-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane Smell Like?

A striking juxtaposition of sulfidic intensity and dry woody backbone. Opens with a volatile burst reminiscent of struck flint and black pepper, evolving into a heart of charred cedar and roasted coffee beans. The dry-down reveals a lingering mineralic quality akin to hot stones after rain, with subtle camphoraceous undertones that prevent it from becoming overly aggressive.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Bois d'Ascese(Naomi Goodsir, 2012)

Used here to amplify the fragrance’s central smoke accord, adding a sulfurous edge that transforms the frankincense into something resembling burning rubber and sacred resins.

Blackpepper(Comme des Garçons, 2014)

Employed as a molecular bridge between the sharp pepper top notes and the darker woody base, creating a continuous olfactory narrative from spice to embers.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2,8-Epithio-cis-p-menthane, (+/-)-

SMILES: CC1CCC2CC1SC2(C)C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

A bicyclic thioether with a unique bridged structure. The sulfur atom creates significant dipole moments and conformational constraints that contribute to its distinctive odor profile. Typically synthesized via thiol-ene reactions of appropriate terpene precursors, with the final structure offering remarkable stability against oxidation compared to simpler thioethers.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Molecular Weight184.32 g/mol

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to Middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Challenging
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Niche Fragrances0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Used for radical accents
Functional Fragrances0.01-0.1%Trace amountsFor metallic nuances

Classic Accords

Tip: Use with citrus or aldehydes to tame the sulfurous edge while preserving its character.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
2-Methyl-4-propyl-1,3-oxathiane CAS 59323-76-1

When a less aggressive sulfur note is desired, this oxathiane offers similar mineralic qualities with added fruity facets.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. Monitoring under 51st Amendment due to structural alerts.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

Under review by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests moderate skin sensitization potential.

Sustainability

Synthetic production avoids natural resource depletion. The manufacturing process requires careful sulfur management to minimize environmental impact. Future green chemistry approaches may reduce energy requirements.

Explore 4,7,7-Trimethyl-6-thiabicyclo[3.2.1]octane

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References

  1. IFRA Standards Library – 51st Amendment IFRA 51

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

Report a data error

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID1052408

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 170.31 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.936 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 210.729 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 7.347 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 74.947 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.493 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 180.835 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.801 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 3.801 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 3.801 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.57 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0.008 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.351 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 3.954 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 32.338 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 100.011 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 0 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 52.526 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 20.823 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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