Diphenylmethane (CAS 101-81-5) — Sweet Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Diphenylmethane
CAS 101-81-5
What Is Diphenylmethane?
Diphenylmethane is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a sweet, floral, and slightly herbal scent. It’s commonly used in perfumes and soaps to add depth and longevity. This compound matters because it serves as a foundational note in many fragrances, helping to blend other scents seamlessly while providing a subtle, pleasant aroma.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Diphenylmethane Smell Like?
Diphenylmethane offers a sweet, floral bouquet with hints of herbal freshness. Initially, it presents a bright, slightly green top note that evolves into a warm, honeyed heart. Over time, the dry-down reveals a soft, powdery base with a whisper of musk, making it a versatile and enduring component in fragrance compositions.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Diphenylmethane adds a sweet, floral depth to the iconic aldehydic bouquet, enhancing its longevity and complexity.
Used to balance the vanilla and citrus notes, providing a smooth, powdery transition in this oriental masterpiece.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: C(C1=CC=CC=C1)C1=CC=CC=C1
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Diphenylmethane is a simple aromatic hydrocarbon consisting of two benzene rings connected by a methylene group. It is synthesized through the Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzene with benzyl chloride. This compound is widely used in perfumery due to its stability and pleasant scent profile.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 264 °C |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 25 °C |
| Density | 1.006 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 5-10% | Up to 15% | Adds depth and longevity |
| Soaps | 3-5% | Up to 10% | Provides a sweet, floral note |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use diphenylmethane to anchor floral notes and enhance the overall longevity of your fragrance.
Alternatives & Comparisons
A similar sweet, floral note with better solubility in alcohol, often used as a fixative.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has assessed diphenylmethane as safe for use in fragrances at current levels.
Sustainability
Diphenylmethane is synthetically produced, reducing the need for natural resources. Its production is efficient, with minimal environmental impact when handled responsibly.
Explore Diphenylmethane
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
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References
- PubChem. Diphenylmethane. PubChem CID: 7580
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID1041891
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 168.239 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 264.833 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 34.915 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 123.006 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.572 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 168.835 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.14 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 4.112 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.112 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.35 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole🔬 EPA CTX |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.01 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 5.306 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 35.964 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 132.778 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 0 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 55.567 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 22.029 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.
