Octahydro-4,8a-dimethyl-4a(2H)-naphthol (CAS 23333-91-7) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Octahydro-4,8a-dimethyl-4a(2H)-naphthol

CAS 23333-91-7

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Octahydro-4,8a-dimethyl-4a(2H)-naphthol?

Octahydro-4,8a-dimethyl-4a(2H)-naphthol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add woody, ambery nuances to perfumes. You’ll encounter it in high-end fragrances where it contributes to long-lasting base notes. This molecule matters because it can mimic rare natural ambergris notes without ethical concerns, offering consistent quality across batches.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
IFRA compliant within usage limits
Potential skin sensitizer at high concentrations
CAS
23333-91-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Octahydro-4,8a-dimethyl-4a(2H)-naphthol Smell Like?

A complex woody-amber profile with facets of dry driftwood and sun-warmed leather. Opens with subtle camphoraceous lift before settling into a rich, slightly animalic heart reminiscent of aged whisky barrels. The dry-down reveals a sophisticated tobacco-like sweetness with exceptional tenacity on skin.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Ambre Sultan(Serge Lutens, 2000)

Used here to amplify the ambery core with a modern synthetic alternative to traditional animalic materials, providing better stability in the oriental accord.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Octahydro-4,8a-dimethyl-4a(2H)-naphthol

SMILES: CC1CCCC2(C)CCCCC12O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

A fully hydrogenated naphthol derivative belonging to the decalin structural family. Synthesized via catalytic hydrogenation of appropriate naphthalene precursors followed by selective methylation. The stereochemistry at multiple centers creates complex odor variation between different synthesis batches.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow viscous liquid
Molecular Weight208.34 g/mol
XLogP4.2 (estimated)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (>12 hours)
Blending
Excellent with woody materials
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Base note fixative
Home Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 3%Amber accord component

Classic Accords

Tip: Combine with ionones to create velvety amber effects.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambrox CAS 6790-58-5

When a cleaner, more diffusive ambery effect is needed. Lacks the tobacco nuances but offers better transparency in fresh compositions.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. Listed on transparency list.

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM. Preliminary data shows low acute toxicity.

Sustainability

Synthetic production avoids overharvesting of natural ambergris. The hydrogenation process requires precious metal catalysts but generates minimal waste compared to traditional ambergris tincture production.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 6435945 PubChem

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 23333-91-7

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight182.3 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)3.3🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point270 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.469💻 Calculated
SMILESCC1CCCC2(C1(CCCC2)O)C🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsbalsamicwoody• leffingwell
Functional Groupsalcohol💻 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: DTXSID8051887

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 182.307 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.971 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 270 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Melting Point 68.99 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 105.351 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.506 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 184.914 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.952 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.952 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.952 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 8.39 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.004 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.018 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 12.851 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 35.63 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 130.422 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 20.23 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 1 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 0 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 54.978 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 21.795 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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