Ethyl (3a.alpha.,4.alpha.,7.alpha.,7a.alpha.)-Octahydro-4,7-methano-3aH-indene-3a-carboxylate (CAS 80657-64-3) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Ethyl (3a.alpha.,4.alpha.,7.alpha.,7a.alpha.)-Octahydro-4,7-methano-3aH-indene-3a-carboxylate

CAS 80657-64-3

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle to base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Ethyl (3a.alpha.,4.alpha.,7.alpha.,7a.alpha.)-Octahydro-4,7-methano-3aH-indene-3a-carboxylate?

Ethyl (3a.alpha.,4.alpha.,7.alpha.,7a.alpha.)-Octahydro-4,7-methano-3aH-indene-3a-carboxylate is a synthetic fragrance compound used in perfumery. It contributes to complex woody-amber accords in modern fragrances. This ingredient matters because it helps create long-lasting, sophisticated scent profiles without relying on natural materials that may have sustainability concerns.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major safety concerns reported
Limited toxicological data available
CAS
80657-64-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Ethyl (3a.alpha.,4.alpha.,7.alpha.,7a.alpha.)-Octahydro-4,7-methano-3aH-indene-3a-carboxylate Smell Like?

This synthetic molecule delivers a complex woody-amber character with subtle fruity undertones. Initially presents a crisp, slightly camphoraceous top that evolves into a warm, resinous heart. The dry-down reveals a smooth, slightly musky base reminiscent of aged woods. Its odor profile bridges the gap between traditional amber materials and modern woody synthetics, offering excellent diffusion and tenacity.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Ethyl (3aR,4S,7R,7aR)-octahydro-3aH-4,7-methanoindene-3a-carboxylate rel

SMILES: CCOC(=O)[C@@]12CCC[C@@H]1[C@@H]1CC[C@H]2C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This ester belongs to the bicyclic terpenoid class, structurally related to camphor derivatives. Synthesized through Diels-Alder reactions followed by esterification, it features a rigid molecular framework that contributes to its stability and odor persistence. The stereochemistry (3a.alpha.,4.alpha.,7.alpha.,7a.alpha.) creates a specific three-dimensional shape that interacts uniquely with olfactory receptors.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Amber-woody accord builder
Functional Fragrance0.5-1.5%Up to 2%Long-lasting base note

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in small quantities to add depth and warmth to woody-amber compositions.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

More diffusive amber alternative with similar tenacity but different odor profile.

2
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

Stronger woody character for more pronounced dry wood effects.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions currently apply to this material.

RIFM Assessment

Not currently evaluated by RIFM.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this compound avoids the sustainability issues associated with harvesting natural amber materials. Its production can be precisely controlled to minimize waste and environmental impact. However, like all synthetic fragrance ingredients, its lifecycle analysis depends on the specific manufacturing processes employed.

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References

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

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID4052552

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 208.301 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 1.04 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
    Boiling Point 258.3 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Melting Point 72.611 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 109 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Refractive Index 1.525 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 188.325 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.45 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 3.45 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 3.45 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.76 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.011 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
    Viscosity 7.652 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 41.469 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 119.248 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 26.3 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 2 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 57.706 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 22.877 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.

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