Phenol, 4-(1-methylpropyl)- (CAS 99-71-8) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Phenol, 4-(1-methylpropyl)-

CAS 99-71-8

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

What Is Phenol, 4-(1-methylpropyl)-?

Phenol, 4-(1-methylpropyl)- is a synthetic aromatic compound used in fine fragrances and industrial applications. It contributes earthy, woody, and slightly smoky nuances. This ingredient matters because it adds depth and complexity to modern perfumery, often enhancing masculine and oriental compositions.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated concentrations
Potential skin sensitizer – use caution
CAS
99-71-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Phenol, 4-(1-methylpropyl)- Smell Like?

Phenol, 4-(1-methylpropyl)- offers a robust, earthy aroma with woody undertones and a subtle smokiness. It evolves from a sharp, medicinal top note to a warm, resinous heart, finally settling into a dry, leathery base. The scent is reminiscent of aged oak barrels, charred wood, and distant campfires, adding a rugged, masculine character to fragrances.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Tuscan Leather(Tom Ford, 2007)

Used to enhance the leather accord, adding a smoky, woody depth that complements the suede and raspberry notes.

Dior Homme Intense(Dior, 2011)

Adds a rugged, earthy backbone to the powdery iris and vanilla, balancing sweetness with masculinity.

Black Afgano(Nasomatto, 2009)

Contributes to the dark, smoky profile, enhancing the oud and cannabis notes with its resinous quality.

Encre Noire(Lalique, 2006)

Used to amplify the vetiver’s earthy, woody character, adding a smoky edge to the dark composition.

Noir de Noir(Tom Ford, 2007)

Adds a leathery, smoky depth to the rich rose and patchouli, creating a luxurious, dark floral.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

4-(Butan-2-yl)phenol

SMILES: CCC(C)C1=CC=C(O)C=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Phenol, 4-(1-methylpropyl)- is a synthetic aromatic compound belonging to the phenol class. It is typically synthesized through alkylation of phenol with isobutylene, resulting in a branched structure. The compound’s molecular geometry and electron distribution contribute to its distinct woody, smoky odor profile. Its stability and moderate volatility make it suitable for use in various fragrance applications.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointN/A
DensityN/A

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (4-8 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Adds depth to woody and leather accords
Home Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Enhances smoky, masculine scents

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to avoid overpowering other notes; blends well with vetiver, patchouli, and leather accords.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Guaiacol CAS 90-05-1

Offers a similar smoky, woody profile but with more medicinal nuances, suitable for heavier compositions.

2
Cresol CAS 1319-77-3

Provides a sharper, more phenolic character, ideal for industrial or leather fragrances.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No specific IFRA restrictions; use within recommended safety guidelines.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment pending; use with caution based on similar phenolic compounds.

Sustainability

Synthesized from petrochemical sources, with no significant natural alternatives. Production processes aim to minimize environmental impact through efficient catalysis and waste reduction.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for Phenol, 4-(1-methylpropyl)- PubChem

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 99-71-8

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight150.22 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)3.1🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point241 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.0372 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point115.6 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Involatility Index0.0033💻 Calculated
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.415💻 Calculated
SMILESCCC(C)C1=CC=C(C=C1)O🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score2.5 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsbalsamicwoody• leffingwell
Functional Groupsphenolaromatic💻 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: DTXSID7022332

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 150.221 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.987 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 241 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Melting Point 60.8 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Flash Point 115.7 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Refractive Index 1.52 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 154.442 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.104 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX
LogD (pH 5.5) 3.191 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 3.191 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 7.57 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.006 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole🔬 EPA CTX

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.037 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
Viscosity 8.623 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 34.705 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 142.239 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 2 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 46.952 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 18.613 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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