Diethylbenzene (CAS 25340-17-4) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Diethylbenzene
CAS 25340-17-4
What Is Diethylbenzene?
Diethylbenzene is a synthetic compound used in perfumery for its solvent properties and subtle aromatic profile. It helps blend ingredients and stabilize fragrance formulations. Consumers encounter it in cleaning products and industrial fragrances where its chemical stability is valued.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Diethylbenzene Smell Like?
Diethylbenzene presents a faint, chemical aroma with hints of gasoline and dry-cleaning fluid. Its odor profile is linear without significant evolution, characterized by a persistent solvent-like sharpness that lingers in the dry-down. Not typically used for its scent but for functional properties in fragrance bases.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a solvent carrier in functional fragrances for cleaning products, valued for chemical stability and low odor interference.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC*.CCC1=CC=CC=C1 |c:6,8,t:4,m:2:6.7.8|
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Diethylbenzene is an aromatic hydrocarbon with three isomers (ortho, meta, para). It is synthesized through alkylation of benzene with ethylene. The meta isomer is most common in industrial applications. Its non-polar structure contributes to excellent solvent properties but limited fragrance appeal.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 181-184 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.868 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 57 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Fragrances | 5-15% | Up to 30% | Solvent carrier |
| Cleaning Products | 2-10% | Up to 20% | Stabilizer |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use primarily as a solvent rather than an olfactory component.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More volatile solvent with stronger odor profile, used when faster evaporation is needed.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA. Primarily used in non-fine fragrance applications.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
Not currently assessed by RIFM due to industrial rather than fine fragrance use.
Sustainability
Petroleum-derived synthetic with significant carbon footprint. No known biodegradability concerns but persistent in environment. Production involves energy-intensive processes.
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References
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 25340-17-4Physical 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: DTXSID4027866
Physical Properties
| Density | 0.869 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 181 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.223 dimensionless💻 Computed |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 0 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 Computed |
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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