Caryophyllene oxide (CAS 1139-30-6) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Caryophyllene oxide
CAS 1139-30-6
What Is Caryophyllene oxide?
Caryophyllene oxide is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene found in many essential oils, particularly clove and cannabis. It’s encountered in perfumes, aromatherapy blends, and some food flavorings. This compound contributes a unique woody-spicy character that evolves intriguingly on skin over time.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Caryophyllene oxide Smell Like?
Caryophyllene oxide opens with a sharp, peppery burst reminiscent of crushed black pepper and dried cloves. The heart reveals a complex interplay of damp wood and faintly camphoraceous undertones. Dry-down brings surprising sweetness – imagine aged cedar chests lined with amber resin. Its tenacity allows subtle evolution over hours, never overwhelming but persistently present.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to amplify the vetiver’s woody depth, adding a peppery contrast to the ink-like darkness.
Contributes to the mysterious spice accord that supports the floral-truffle heart.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: C[C@@]12CC[C@@H]3[C@H](CC3(C)C)C(=C)CC[C@H]1O2
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Caryophyllene oxide is an oxygenated sesquiterpene derived from β-caryophyllene through epoxidation. This non-volatile compound shows remarkable stability compared to its precursor. Industrial synthesis typically involves photo-oxidation of caryophyllene or chemical oxidation using mCPBA. The molecule’s rigid bicyclic structure and epoxide group create unique stereoelectronic effects influencing both odor and binding properties.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | ~120°C at 0.1 mmHg |
|---|---|
| Density | ~1.01 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | ~1.498 |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds woody-spicy complexity |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used in masculine deodorants |
| Aromatherapy | 1-3% | Up to 10% | Valued for grounding effects |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to bridge citrus top notes with woody bases in masculine compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
The precursor without oxidation, offering similar woody character but brighter top notes.
When more emphasis on pure woody tenacity is needed without spice.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No current restrictions under IFRA standards.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed in EU allergen regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment complete – safe at current usage levels.
Sustainability
Most commercial material is synthetically produced from plant-derived β-caryophyllene. The epoxidation process has moderate environmental impact but avoids overharvesting of natural sources. Biocatalytic production methods are under development.
Explore Caryophyllene oxide
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Paduch et al. (2007). Terpenes… PMID 17368647
- PubChem CID 17111 PubChem
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID4051586
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 220.356 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.96 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 272.323 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 61.7 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 107.564 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.507 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 223.72 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.75 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 4.75 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.75 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.88 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.002 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 3.434 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 32.596 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 12.53 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 66.6 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 26.402 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.
![4-Penten-1-one, 1-spiro[4.5]dec-6-en-7-yl- (CAS 224031-71-4) — Green Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient](https://thegoodscents.company/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/4-penten-1-one-1-spiro-4-5-dec-6-en-7-yl-1-1-768x439.webp)
