Benzophenone (CAS 119-61-9) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Benzophenone
CAS 119-61-9
What Is Benzophenone?
Benzophenone is a synthetic organic compound commonly found in sunscreens, plastics, and some fragrances. It acts as a UV filter and fragrance fixative. While useful in products, it requires awareness due to potential skin sensitivity and environmental concerns.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Benzophenone Smell Like?
Benzophenone has a subtle, slightly floral and almond-like aroma with a dry, powdery undertone. It evolves from a faintly sweet top note to a more persistent, woody base. Its odor profile is often compared to a muted version of heliotropin, with a touch of benzaldehyde’s almond character but less intense.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: O=C(C1=CC=CC=C1)C1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Benzophenone is a diaryl ketone, part of the aromatic ketone family. It is synthesized through Friedel-Crafts acylation of benzene with benzoyl chloride. Its structure allows it to absorb UV light, making it valuable in sun protection products. The molecule is planar and rigid, contributing to its stability.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 305 °C |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 48 °C |
| Density | 1.11 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Used as a fixative |
| Functional Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 10% | UV protection in sunscreens |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly to avoid overpowering the fragrance.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA, but monitored for potential sensitization.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as an EU allergen.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
Under review by RIFM for potential sensitization risks.
Sustainability
Benzophenone is synthetic, derived from petroleum. Its environmental persistence raises concerns, prompting search for greener alternatives in UV protection and fragrance applications.
Explore Benzophenone
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References
- PubChem. Benzophenone. CID 3102
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID0021961
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 182.222 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.093 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 305.51 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 33.161 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 138.92 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.584 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 167.548 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.19 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.07 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.07 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 7.25 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.001 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole🔬 EPA CTX |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.002 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 8.602 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 42.149 dyn/cm📊 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 | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 56.046 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 22.218 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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