Bicyclo[4,3,1]decane, 3-methoxy-7,7-dimethyl-10-methylene (CAS 216970-21-7) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Musky

Bicyclo[4,3,1]decane, 3-methoxy-7,7-dimethyl-10-methylene

CAS 216970-21-7

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

What Is Bicyclo[4,3,1]decane, 3-methoxy-7,7-dimethyl-10-methylene?

Bicyclo[4,3,1]decane, 3-methoxy-7,7-dimethyl-10-methylene is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in modern perfumery to create unique woody and ambery accords. Its complex structure allows perfumers to achieve nuanced scent profiles that evolve beautifully on skin. This molecule matters because it offers alternatives to traditional materials while enabling innovative fragrance design that complies with increasing regulatory restrictions on naturals.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Not classified as hazardous under GHS
Limited toxicological data available
CAS
216970-21-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Musky
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Bicyclo[4,3,1]decane, 3-methoxy-7,7-dimethyl-10-methylene Smell Like?

This synthetic molecule opens with a crisp, almost metallic woodiness reminiscent of freshly cut oak barrels. As it warms, it reveals hidden facets – a whisper of dry amber emerges like sun-bleached driftwood, while subtle camphoraceous edges provide cool contrast. The drydown lingers as a sophisticated skin-scent, blending the persistence of sandalwood with the transparency of modern musk accords.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Bicyclo[4.3.1]decane, 3-methoxy-7,7-dimethyl-10-methylene-

SMILES: COC1CCC2C(=C)C(CCC2(C)C)C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Bicyclo[4,3,1]decane derivatives represent a class of structurally complex synthetic molecules designed for perfumery. The methoxy and methylene substitutions create multiple chiral centers, influencing odor characteristics. Synthesis typically involves Diels-Alder reactions followed by selective functionalization. While not found in nature, its woody-amber profile mimics certain sesquiterpenoids found in precious woods.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular WeightNot publicly available
Complexity354

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Used as woody-amber modifier
Functional Fragrance0.5-1%Up to 2%Provides persistence in detergents

Classic Accords

Tip: Use with ionones to soften the woody character and enhance diffusion.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambrox CAS 000-00-0

When a more pronounced ambery drydown is desired.

2
Norlimbanol CAS 000-00-0

For stronger woody impact with less sweetness.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions currently apply to this material.

RIFM Assessment

No published RIFM assessment available at this time.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, production avoids harvesting of natural resources. Future sustainability depends on green chemistry approaches to synthesis and energy-efficient manufacturing processes.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary CID Not Available

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 216970-21-7

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight208.34 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)3.6🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point265 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.0141 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point105.5 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Involatility Index0.0011💻 Calculated
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.415💻 Calculated
SMILESCC1(CCC2CC(CCC1C2=C)OC)C🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score3.8 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Functional Groupsetheralkene💻 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: DTXSID30889128

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 208.345 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.932 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 262.583 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 23.331 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 106.6 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.479 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 225.76 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.86 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 4.86 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 4.86 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.56 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.017 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 3.984 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 29.849 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 116.645 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 1 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 64.003 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 25.373 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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