Benzonitrile (CAS 100-47-0) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Benzonitrile
CAS 100-47-0
What Is Benzonitrile?
Benzonitrile is a synthetic aromatic compound used in perfumery to add almond-like nuances with a sharp, bitter edge. You might encounter it in niche fragrances or as a modifier in industrial scents. This ingredient matters because it provides a cost-effective alternative to natural bitter almond notes while offering greater stability in formulations. Its ability to cut through sweeter accords makes it valuable for creating contrast in modern perfumery.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Benzonitrile Smell Like?
Benzonitrile hits the nose with an intense, piercing almond character that’s more metallic and chemical than natural benzaldehyde. The opening is sharply aromatic – imagine crushed cherry pits with a gasoline-like edge. As it dries down, the harshness mellows into a dry, woody-herbal nuance reminiscent of burnt marzipan. The base reveals subtle phenolic undertones that linger as a skin-hugging whisper. Unlike sweeter almond materials, this maintains an unsettling medicinal quality throughout its evolution.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: N#CC1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Benzonitrile (C6H5CN) is a simple aromatic nitrile formed by substituting a cyano group for hydrogen on benzene. Industrially produced via ammoxidation of toluene or dehydration of benzamide, its linear molecular structure lacks chiral centers. The strong dipole moment from the polar nitrile group contributes to its high boiling point and moderate water solubility. Unlike natural benzaldehyde derivatives, it resists oxidation, making it valuable in formulations requiring long-term stability.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 191 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.010 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 75 °C |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.6 mmHg at 25°C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used as sharpener for almond accords |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.05-0.2% | Up to 0.5% | Industrial cleaner formulations |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly to add metallic edge to fruity-floral compositions – overdosing creates harsh medicinal effects.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Natural almond note without the harsh chemical character, but oxidizes more readily.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted under current IFRA standards (Amendment 49).
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels with margin of safety.
Sustainability
As a petrochemical derivative, benzonitrile has significant carbon footprint from production. However, its potency means minimal quantities are required per formulation. No known ecological toxicity issues at usage levels, though manufacturing involves cyanide chemistry requiring careful waste management. Not biodegradable.
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary for Benzonitrile CID 7505
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 100-47-0Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 103.12 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.6🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 190.7 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 71.7 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.1061💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.193💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | C1=CC=C(C=C1)C#N🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Moderate💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 0.5 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | almondcherry• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | aromatic💻 RDKit |
| “When fused with Glucose, it produces an odor similar to that of Maple sugar.”📖 Arctander | |
Flavor Notes (Arctander)
| “Finds use in flavor compositions for its Maple-like flavor when treated with Glucose under heating.”📖 Arctander |
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: DTXSID7021491
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 103.124 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.008 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 190.7 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -12.81 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 71.85 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.539 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 99.952 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 1.56 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 1.487 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 1.487 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 4.46 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| Water Solubility | 0.1 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole🔬 EPA CTX |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.768 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 1.466 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 39.557 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 150.592 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 23.79 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 | 31.32 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 12.416 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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