Woody · Balsamic

Bisabolene

CAS 495-62-5

Origin

synthetic

Note

Base

IFRA

Generally safe

Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Bisabolene?

Bisabolene is a woody-scented molecule found naturally in some essential oils like ginger and chamomile, but most fragrance applications use synthetic versions. It adds warm, slightly spicy depth to woody and oriental perfumes. This ingredient matters because it provides a natural-smelling woody base without relying on endangered tree species, making modern sustainable perfumery possible.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE

Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use

✓ No known restrictions

✓ Not classified as an allergen

CAS

495-62-5

Formula

Mixture

Variable

Odor Family

Woody · Balsamic

Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Bisabolene Smell Like?

Bisabolene unfolds as a warm, dry woodiness with subtle peppery facets – imagine sandalwood shavings dusted with white pepper. The initial impression carries faint citrusy brightness before settling into a creamy, slightly balsamic base. In drydown, it behaves like well-aged cedarwood, losing any sharp edges while maintaining excellent tenacity. When overdosed, it can develop a rubbery undertone, but at optimal levels contributes sophisticated woody depth without overwhelming floral or citrus top notes.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Santal 33(Le Labo, 2011)

Used as a sustainable sandalwood analog, contributing to the signature pencil-shaving woody accord that distinguishes this cult fragrance.

Tam Dao(Diptyque, 2003)

Enhances the cedarwood heart with creamy warmth while avoiding the sharpness of traditional sandalwood materials.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

SMILES: CC(C)=CCCC(C)=C1CCC(C)=CC1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Bisabolene is a sesquiterpene hydrocarbon existing in α, β, and γ isomeric forms, with β-bisabolene being most common in fragrance applications. The synthetic version is typically produced via cyclization of farnesene precursors. Its non-polar structure contributes to excellent longevity in fragrance bases. The molecule lacks chiral centers, making synthetic versions identical to natural isolates. Commercial grades often contain mixtures of isomers to achieve specific olfactory profiles.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point	120-125 °C (0.5 mmHg)
Density	0.86 g/cm³
Refractive Index	1.489

Perfumer Guide

Note Position

Base

Volatility

Low (8+ hours)

Blending

Good

Application	Typical %	Range	Notes
Fine Fragrance	1-3%	0.5-5%	Woody base note
Home Fragrance	2-4%	1-6%	Adds warmth to woody diffuser blends

Classic Accords

+ Sandalwood + Vanilla = Creamy wood + Patchouli + Amber = Oriental base

Tip: Use to extend sandalwood notes while reducing cost – start at 0.5% and increase until desired woodiness appears.

Alternatives & Comparisons

Santalol CAS 11031-45-1

For authentic sandalwood character when sustainability isn’t a concern.

Ebanol CAS 59323-76-1

When stronger woody-ambery notes are required.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions (2023 Amendment 49)

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels.

Sustainability

Synthetic bisabolene reduces pressure on sandalwood forests while maintaining olfactory quality. Most commercial production uses bio-based farnesene precursors from sugarcane fermentation, offering renewable sourcing. The synthesis route has relatively low environmental impact compared to traditional sandalwood extraction methods.

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References

Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
Sell C. (2019). A Fragrant Introduction to Terpenoid Chemistry. Royal Society of Chemistry.

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

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PRODUCT APPLICATIONS

Fine Perfumery Soap Candles Shower Gel Air Fresheners Detergent Fabric Softener Cosmetics Shampoo Cleaners

FRAGRANCE ACCORDS

Fougère Chypre Oriental Gourmand Woody Amber Aquatic Aromatic Leather Floral Citrus Powdery Green Fresh/Clean

Browse Full Catalog → IFRA Guidelines →

Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 495-62-5

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight	204.35 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)	4.7🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point	258 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure	0.0054 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point	112.4 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Involatility Index	0.0004💻 Calculated
log Kp (skin permeability)	-0.61💻 Calculated
SMILES	CC1=CCC(=C(C)CCC=C(C)C)CC1🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance Note	Heart💻 Calculated
Volatility Class	Very slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score	5.2 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Functional Groups	alkene💻 RDKit
“Pleasant, warm, sweet-spicy-balsamic odor, inevitably reminding the perfumer of Opopanax and "Oriental" fragrance types.”📖 Arctander
Bisabolene has a pleasant balsamic odor.📖 Fenaroli

Regulatory Status

IOFI Classification

Nature Identical📖 Fenaroli

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: DTXSID9052131

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight	204.357 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density	0.854 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point	265.056 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point	18.248 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point	111.121 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index	1.494 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume	235.566 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water)	5.63 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5)	5.63 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4)	5.63 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air)	7.25 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility	0 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant	0.003 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure	0.005 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
Viscosity	4.533 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension	27.439 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity	123.129 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area	0 Å²💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors	0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors	0 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds	3 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings	0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity	68.521 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability	27.164 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.

Related Research

Bisabolene (CAS 495-62-5) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

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