Diethylbenzene (CAS 25340-17-4) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Green

Diethylbenzene

CAS 25340-17-4

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

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 AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Potential irritant – handle with care
Avoid prolonged skin contact
CAS
25340-17-4
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What 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.

Scent Profile

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.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Diethylbenzene

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 Point181-184 °C
Density0.868 g/cm³
Flash Point57 °C

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low
Blending
Functional
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Industrial Fragrances5-15%Up to 30%Solvent carrier
Cleaning Products2-10%Up to 20%Stabilizer

Classic Accords

+ Citrus Solvents = Degreaser Base

Tip: Use primarily as a solvent rather than an olfactory component.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Xylene CAS 1330-20-7

More volatile solvent with stronger odor profile, used when faster evaporation is needed.

Layer 3

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

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation H335 Respiratory irritation

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

  1. PubChem: Diethylbenzene PubChem
  2. IFRA Standards Library IFRA

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

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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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