4-Methyl-8-methylenetricyclo[3.3.1.(3,7)]decan-2-yl acetate (CAS 122760-85-4) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Balsamic

4-Methyl-8-methylenetricyclo[3.3.1.(3,7)]decan-2-yl acetate

CAS 122760-85-4

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

What Is 4-Methyl-8-methylenetricyclo[3.3.1.(3,7)]decan-2-yl acetate?

4-Methyl-8-methylenetricyclo[3.3.1.(3,7)]decan-2-yl acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in modern perfumery. It’s found in niche and designer fragrances aiming for unique woody-ambergris effects. This molecule matters because it creates sophisticated, long-lasting base notes that mimic rare natural materials without sustainability concerns.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ IFRA compliant at standard usage levels
⚠ Limited long-term exposure data
CAS
122760-85-4
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 4-Methyl-8-methylenetricyclo[3.3.1.(3,7)]decan-2-yl acetate Smell Like?

This synthetic ambergris alternative unfolds with an initial mineral dryness reminiscent of sun-bleached driftwood, evolving into a complex heart of warm skin-like musk with subtle marine salinity. The dry-down reveals a sophisticated woody-amber character with faint tobacco undertones, persisting for hours with remarkable tenacity. Imagine the scent of an antique wooden chest stored in a seaside attic – simultaneously dry, woody, and subtly animalic.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

4-Methyl-8-methylideneadamantan-2-yl acetate

SMILES: CC1C2CC3CC1C(OC(C)=O)C(C2)C3=C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This tricyclic acetate belongs to the family of synthetic ambergris substitutes, designed to mimic natural ambergris’ complex odor profile without relying on animal-derived materials. The molecule features a rigid tricyclic core with strategic methylene and acetate functional groups that create its distinctive diffusion pattern. Industrial synthesis typically involves Diels-Alder reactions followed by selective acetylation, yielding a material with excellent stability and longevity in fragrance applications.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (12+ hours)
Blending
Good with woody materials
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Base note fixative
Home Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Longevity booster

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in trace amounts to enhance diffusion of woody bases without overpowering.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

More transparent ambery effect with less woody character

2
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

Stronger woody-dry impact for masculine fragrances

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted under IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM as a novel synthetic material.

Sustainability

As a fully synthetic material, this ingredient avoids the ecological concerns associated with natural ambergris harvesting. Its production requires standard petrochemical feedstocks but benefits from efficient catalytic processes that minimize waste. The material’s potency means very small quantities are needed in formulations, reducing overall environmental impact compared to some natural alternatives.

Explore 4-Methyl-8-methylenetricyclo[3.3.1.(3,7)]decan-2-yl acetate

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

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

    Report a data error

    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 122760-85-4

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight220.31 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)2.6🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point277 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0.0002 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point117.7 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    log Kp (skin permeability)-2.198💻 Calculated
    SMILESCC1C2CC3CC1C(C(C2)C3=C)OC(=O)C🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteBase💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score6.6 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Functional Groupsesteretheralkene💻 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: DTXSID40924271

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 220.312 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 1.052 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 274.843 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 79.831 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 105.197 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.516 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 205.432 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.842 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 3.842 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 3.842 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.9 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.001 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 18.145 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 35.368 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 123.099 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 26.3 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 1 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 62.002 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 24.58 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.

    Similar Posts