Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 3-(1-methylethyl)-, ethyl ester, (2-exo,3-endo)- (CAS 116126-82-0) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 3-(1-methylethyl)-, ethyl ester, (2-exo,3-endo)-

CAS 116126-82-0

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

What Is Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 3-(1-methylethyl)-, ethyl ester, (2-exo,3-endo)-?

This synthetic fragrance ingredient is a specialized chemical compound used in modern perfumery to create unique olfactory effects. It’s typically found in niche and avant-garde fragrances where unconventional scent profiles are desired. The material offers perfumers a tool for crafting distinctive woody-amber accords with subtle fruity undertones, contributing to contemporary fragrance architectures that push creative boundaries.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
IFRA-compliant at standard usage levels
Limited toxicological data available
CAS
116126-82-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 3-(1-methylethyl)-, ethyl ester, (2-exo,3-endo)- Smell Like?

This bicyclic ester presents a complex olfactory profile beginning with crisp, almost metallic top notes reminiscent of crushed green stems. As it evolves, reveals a heart of warm woody character with facets of amber and a faint fruity nuance akin to unripe pear. The dry-down carries subtle musky undertones with excellent tenacity, leaving a clean yet intriguing trail. Its structural rigidity translates to precise scent definition, making it valuable for modern fragrance constructions requiring both projection and longevity.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2-carboxylic acid, 3-(1-methylethyl)-, ethyl ester, (2-exo,3-endo)-

SMILES: CCOC(=O)[C@@H]1[C@@H]2C[C@@H](C=C2)[C@H]1C(C)C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This bicyclic ester belongs to the class of functionalized norbornane derivatives, characterized by their rigid molecular architecture. The compound is synthesized through Diels-Alder reactions followed by esterification, with the specific stereochemistry (2-exo,3-endo) being crucial for its olfactory properties. The isopropyl group introduces steric effects that influence volatility and scent profile. As a synthetic material, it doesn’t occur in nature but mimics certain aspects of woody-amber natural products while offering superior stability in formulations.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular ClassBicyclic ester
Structural FeaturesRigid norbornane core

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used as woody-amber modifier
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%For technical effects

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in trace amounts to add structural definition to woody bases without overwhelming other materials.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

Provides similar amber-woody effects but with more pronounced diffusion and less fruity nuance.

2
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

Offers comparable structural woody character with greater intensity and longer persistence.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. Listed as safe for use at standard concentrations.

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests safe use at current industry levels.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this compound is produced through controlled chemical processes with minimal environmental impact compared to natural alternatives. Its efficient synthesis and high potency reduce the overall carbon footprint in fragrance applications. The material’s stability contributes to longer-lasting fragrances, potentially reducing reapplication frequency.

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References

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

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 116126-82-0

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight208.3 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)3.1🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point243 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0.0117 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point104.7 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Involatility Index0.0009💻 Calculated
    log Kp (skin permeability)-1.77💻 Calculated
    SMILESCCOC(=O)C1C2CC(C1C(C)C)C=C2🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score3.7 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Functional Groupsesteretheralkene💻 RDKit

    Regulatory Status

    IFRA ListedYes — see IFRA Standards for category limits⚖️ IFRA 51
    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: DTXSID0051316

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 208.301 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 1.012 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 248.767 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 33.239 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 103.931 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.492 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 204.735 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.813 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 3.813 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 3.813 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.08 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.011 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 10.459 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 31.997 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 113.744 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 3 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 59.386 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 23.543 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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