Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 2-ethyl-6-methoxy- (CAS 862111-34-0) — Woody Top to Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 2-ethyl-6-methoxy-

CAS 862111-34-0

Origin
synthetic
Note
Top to Middle
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 2-ethyl-6-methoxy-?

Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 2-ethyl-6-methoxy- is a synthetic fragrance compound used in modern perfumery. It’s found in niche and avant-garde fragrances, often adding an abstract woody or aromatic character. This ingredient matters because it represents perfumery’s push into novel olfactory territories, creating scents that defy traditional categorization while maintaining wearability.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major restrictions in current IFRA guidelines
Limited long-term exposure data
CAS
862111-34-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 2-ethyl-6-methoxy- Smell Like?

This synthetic molecule presents a fascinating duality – opening with a crisp, almost metallic freshness reminiscent of chilled stainless steel, then revealing a warm, woody-ambery core that lingers with subtle smokiness. The dry-down suggests pencil shavings and distant campfire, with a transparent quality that allows it to blend seamlessly while adding structural definition to fragrances.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Molecule 05(Escentric Molecules, 2017)

Used as a primary building block to create a minimalist, abstract woody scent that evolves intriguingly on skin, showcasing how synthetic molecules can create new olfactive experiences.

Norne(Slumberhouse, 2011)

Employed as a structural element to amplify the dark, resinous forest character while maintaining clarity in this complex composition.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 2-ethyl-6-methoxy-

SMILES: CCC1CC2CC(OC)C1C2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane derivatives represent an important class of synthetic fragrance materials with rigid molecular structures. The 2-ethyl-6-methoxy substitution pattern creates a compound with significant vapor pressure and moderate hydrophobicity, making it effective as a top-to-middle note. Synthesis typically begins with norbornene derivatives through catalytic hydrogenation followed by selective etherification. The constrained bicyclic framework contributes to its unique odor profile by limiting conformational flexibility.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Molecular WeightEstimated ~168 g/mol
Odor ThresholdExtremely low (ppb range)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Excellent with woody and amber materials
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%0.5-5%Used as an enhancer for woody accords
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Adds sophistication to cleaning products

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in trace amounts to add lift and diffusion to heavy base notes without altering their core character.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Isobornyl methoxycyclohexanol CAS 63500-71-0

Offers similar woody-transparency but with more pronounced cedar character and better stability in alkaline systems.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted under any IFRA Amendment. Classified as a synthetic fragrance ingredient with no specific use limitations.

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM as part of ongoing assessment of novel synthetic fragrance materials.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, production is not dependent on natural resources, though energy requirements for synthesis should be considered. The compound’s high potency means minimal quantities are needed in formulations, reducing overall environmental load. No known ecological toxicity concerns at usage levels.

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References

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

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 862111-34-0

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight154.25 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)2.8🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point180 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0.1047 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point64 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Involatility Index0.0091💻 Calculated
    log Kp (skin permeability)-1.653💻 Calculated
    SMILESCCC1CC2CC1C(C2)OC🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score1.7 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Primary Descriptorsbalsamicwoody• leffingwell
    Functional Groupsether💻 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: DTXSID9051404

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 154.253 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.945 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 191.616 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 7.094 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 67.461 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.468 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 165.138 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.861 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 3.861 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 3.861 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 4.61 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.006 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0.003 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.496 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 4.978 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 29.594 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 108.068 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 9.23 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 2 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 45.909 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 18.2 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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