Cyclododecaneethanol, .beta.-methyl- (CAS 118562-73-5) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Cyclododecaneethanol, .beta.-methyl-
CAS 118562-73-5
What Is Cyclododecaneethanol, .beta.-methyl-?
Cyclododecaneethanol, β-methyl- is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in high-end perfumes for its unique musky-woody character. Consumers encounter it in premium fragrances where it contributes to long-lasting base notes. This molecule matters because it offers perfumers a modern alternative to traditional musks, with excellent stability and blending properties that help create sophisticated scent profiles.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Cyclododecaneethanol, .beta.-methyl- Smell Like?
Cyclododecaneethanol, β-methyl- unfolds with a refined muskiness reminiscent of sun-warmed skin, gradually revealing woody undertones that evoke polished antique furniture. Its dry-down is exceptionally tenacious, leaving a clean yet animalic trail that behaves like a molecular whisper – detectable hours later as a subtle, skin-like warmth. The methyl substitution adds a crispness that prevents the typical heaviness of macrocyclic musks, making it ideal for modern compositions requiring both projection and discretion.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as the sole active ingredient to showcase its transformative musk-woody character, demonstrating how single molecules can create complex olfactory illusions on skin.
Provides the subtle musky foundation that blends with sandalwood notes, creating the perfume’s signature ‘skin but better’ dry-down effect.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC(CO)C1CCCCCCCCCCC1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Cyclododecaneethanol, β-methyl- belongs to the family of macrocyclic musks, characterized by their large ring structures that mimic natural animalic compounds. The β-methyl substitution on the ethanol side chain enhances volatility compared to unsubstituted analogs while maintaining musk receptor affinity. Synthesized through cyclododecanone reduction followed by Grignard addition, this molecule exemplifies modern musk design – combining structural elements of both woody and musky odorants for balanced performance.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Molecular Class | Macrocyclic musk |
|---|---|
| Typical Form | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Base note musk modifier |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Long-lasting fabric conditioner scents |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with ionones to create a velvety floral-musk effect that develops beautifully over time.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a cleaner musk profile with less woody character, though lacking the β-methyl’s distinctive dry-down warmth.
When a more animalic musk is desired, though with less blending versatility than cyclododecaneethanol derivatives.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted under any IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
No specific RIFM assessment found; considered low risk based on structural analogs.
Sustainability
As a synthetic musk, this compound avoids the ecological concerns associated with animal-derived musks while being produced through efficient catalytic processes. Its high potency reduces the required quantity per formulation, minimizing environmental load compared to traditional musks.
Explore Cyclododecaneethanol, .beta.-methyl-
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Bajgrowicz, J.A. et al. (2003). Fragrance Chemistry. Wiley-VCH.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 118562-73-5Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 226.4 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 6.3🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 300 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.0001 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 163.7 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | 0.392💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC(CO)C1CCCCCCCCCCC1🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Base💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 11.1 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | muskywoody• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | alcohol💻 RDKit |
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: DTXSID8051598
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 226.404 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.941 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 314.284 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 34.9 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 163.7 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.451 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 262.499 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 5.178 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 5.178 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 5.178 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 8.92 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 32.553 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 31.334 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 148.406 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 20.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 70.74 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 28.044 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.
