.beta.-Caryophyllene alcohol (CAS 472-97-9) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
.beta.-Caryophyllene alcohol
CAS 472-97-9
What Is .beta.-Caryophyllene alcohol?
β-Caryophyllene alcohol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol found in essential oils like clove and cannabis. Consumers encounter it in aromatherapy blends, natural perfumes, and some CBD products. This molecule contributes warm, woody-spicy nuances that evolve beautifully on skin, making it valuable for creating depth in fragrances without overpowering.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does .beta.-Caryophyllene alcohol Smell Like?
Opens with a peppery clove-like warmth, reminiscent of aged wooden barrels stored in spice markets. The heart reveals earthy cannabis undertones with a camphoraceous edge. Dry-down brings surprising sweetness – imagine birch bark caramelizing over embers. Exceptionally tenacious for an alcohol, it behaves more like a woody base note than typical terpenoids.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Provides the elusive ‘pickle jar’ woodiness that makes their signature sandalwood accord so distinctive. Acts as bridge between spicy top notes and creamy base.
Contributes to the controversial cannabis-absinthe illusion, adding resinous depth that reads simultaneously botanical and synthetic.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: [H][C@]12CC(C)(C)[C@]1([H])CC[C@]1(C)CCC[C@@]2(O)C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
A bicyclic sesquiterpene alcohol derived from β-caryophyllene via oxidation. Naturally occurs as mixture of stereoisomers, with the (1R,4E,9S)-form being most odor-active. Industrially produced by hydrogenation of caryophyllene oxide or microbial transformation of plant biomass. The strained cyclobutane ring contributes to its unusual stability and diffusion properties.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | ~250°C (est.) |
|---|---|
| Density | ~0.98 g/cm³ (est.) |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.001 mmHg (25°C) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | For woody-spicy accents |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Masking agent for herbal products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with ionones to prevent excessive dryness in woody accords.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA 49th Amendment.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed in EU allergen regulation.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment complete – safe at current use levels.
Sustainability
Increasingly produced via green chemistry from renewable β-caryophyllene sources rather than isolation from clove oil. Carbon-negative production possible using hemp waste streams.
Explore .beta.-Caryophyllene alcohol
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References
- Paduch et al. (2016). Terpenes: Substances useful in human healthcare. Arch Immunol Ther Exp. Link
- PubChem CID 6431515 Link
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID501033247
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 222.372 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.991 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 286.388 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 95 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 124.551 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.52 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 219.833 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.248 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 4.248 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.248 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 9.17 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 | 15.016 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 40.109 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 20.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 66.867 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 26.508 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.
