N-[(Ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (CAS 68489-14-5) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

N-[(Ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide

CAS 68489-14-5

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

What Is N-[(Ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide?

This synthetic compound is a specialized fragrance ingredient primarily used in professional perfumery. Consumers may encounter it in modern woody or amber compositions where it contributes cooling and minty nuances. While not a household name, it plays an important role in creating sophisticated scent profiles by adding depth and diffusion to fragrance formulas.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Approved for fragrance use
Limited safety data available
CAS
68489-14-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does N-[(Ethoxycarbonyl)methyl)-p-menthane-3-carboxamide Smell Like?

This molecule presents a complex olfactory profile beginning with a crisp, cooling mint-like freshness reminiscent of crushed eucalyptus leaves. The initial sharpness gradually unfolds into a woody-ambery heart with subtle camphoraceous undertones. During dry-down, it reveals a clean, slightly sweet muskiness that enhances diffusion. The overall effect is reminiscent of alpine air with a sophisticated synthetic edge – like walking through a pine forest after rain with a faint whiff of mentholated balm.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

N-[[(1R,2S,5R)-5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexyl]carbonyl]glycine ethyl ester

SMILES: CCOC(=O)CNC(=O)[C@@H]1C[C@H](C)CC[C@H]1C(C)C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This synthetic carboxamide derivative belongs to the p-menthane family, structurally related to menthol but with an ethoxycarbonylmethyl substitution. The molecule features a rigid cyclohexane ring system that contributes to its cooling properties. While not found in nature, its synthesis typically involves the modification of p-menthane precursors through carboxamide formation. The stereochemistry of the menthane skeleton significantly impacts its odor profile, with different isomers exhibiting varying intensity of cooling effects.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Molecular ClassCarboxamide derivative

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Cooling modifier
Functional Fragrance0.1-1%Up to 3%Freshness enhancer

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly in fougère compositions to add an unexpected cooling twist.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
WS-3 CAS 39711-79-0

More intense cooling agent with similar chemical structure but stronger physiological cooling effect.

2
Menthyl lactate CAS 59259-38-0

Natural-derived cooling agent with milder effect and different olfactory profile.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

Limited safety assessment available. Considered safe at current usage levels.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this ingredient avoids natural resource depletion concerns. However, its production requires petrochemical feedstocks and energy-intensive processes. The carbon footprint depends on manufacturing efficiency and solvent recovery systems. Future green chemistry approaches may improve its sustainability profile.

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References

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

    Report a data error

    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 68489-14-5

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight269.38 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)3.4🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point151 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point100 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    log Kp (skin permeability)-1.929💻 Calculated
    SMILESCCOC(=O)CNC(=O)C1CC(CCC1C(C)C)C🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteBase💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score12.3 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Functional Groupsesterether💻 RDKit
    Data Sources & Attribution
    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: DTXSID501134437

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 269.385 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.006 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
    Boiling Point 151 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Melting Point 81 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Flash Point 100 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Refractive Index 1.462 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 271.624 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.73 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX
    LogD (pH 5.5) 3.454 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 3.554 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 10.15 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
    Viscosity 74.448 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 33.221 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 145.6 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 55.4 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 1 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 3 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 5 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 74.717 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 29.62 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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