Octahydro-8,8-dimethylnaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde (CAS 68738-94-3) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Octahydro-8,8-dimethylnaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde

CAS 68738-94-3

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

What Is Octahydro-8,8-dimethylnaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde?

Octahydro-8,8-dimethylnaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde is a synthetic fragrance molecule used in perfumery to add woody, amber-like nuances. It’s found in premium perfumes and body care products where a warm, sophisticated scent is desired. This ingredient helps create depth and longevity in fragrances, making it valuable for perfumers crafting complex, evolving scents that transition beautifully from first spray to dry-down.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Approved for use in cosmetics
Limited safety data available
CAS
68738-94-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Octahydro-8,8-dimethylnaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde Smell Like?

This aldehyde delivers a rich, woody character with facets of warm amber and subtle powdery undertones. Initially presents with a slightly sharp, almost camphoraceous edge that quickly mellows into a smooth, velvety base reminiscent of aged woods and sweet resins. The dry-down reveals a sophisticated skin-scent quality with excellent persistence, making it particularly useful for anchoring fragrance compositions without overwhelming other notes.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Octahydro-8,8-dimethylnaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde

SMILES: CC1(C)CCCC2C=CC(CC12)C=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Octahydro-8,8-dimethylnaphthalene-2-carbaldehyde belongs to the family of cyclic terpene aldehydes. While not found in nature, its structure mimics certain woody-amber molecules found in natural materials. Industrial synthesis typically begins with camphene or similar terpene precursors through oxidation pathways. The molecule’s rigid bicyclic structure contributes to its excellent stability and tenacity in fragrance applications.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceClear liquid
Odor StrengthMedium to strong

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used as woody-amber modifier
Home Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%For warm background notes

Classic Accords

Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent excessive heaviness in the opening.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

For a cleaner, more diffusive amber effect with less powderiness

2
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

When a sharper, more pronounced woody character is desired

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA. No specific usage limits established.

RIFM Assessment

Full safety assessment not yet published by RIFM.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this ingredient doesn’t rely on natural resource extraction. However, its production involves petrochemical feedstocks and energy-intensive processes. Some manufacturers are exploring green chemistry approaches to reduce environmental impact during synthesis.

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References

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

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID3051549

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 192.302 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.965 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 258.36 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point 29.043 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 97.864 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.519 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 196.711 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.868 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 3.868 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 3.868 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.13 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.03 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 4.471 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 31.988 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 121.811 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 17.07 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 1 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 59.704 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 23.668 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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