Pinocarvyl acetate (CAS 1078-95-1) — Woody Top to Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Green

Pinocarvyl acetate

CAS 1078-95-1

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

What Is Pinocarvyl acetate?

Pinocarvyl acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery to add fresh, woody, and slightly camphoraceous nuances. It’s found in some modern fragrances aiming for an outdoorsy or forest-like character. This material helps create crisp, naturalistic top notes that evoke pine forests and mountain air, making it valuable for masculine and unisex scents that want to capture the essence of wilderness without smelling like literal pine oil.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major restrictions in current IFRA guidelines
Limited toxicological data available
CAS
1078-95-1
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Pinocarvyl acetate Smell Like?

Pinocarvyl acetate opens with a brisk, camphoraceous punch reminiscent of crushed pine needles and eucalyptus, quickly settling into a cleaner woody character. The heart reveals subtle fruity undertones – imagine the crispness of green apples meeting the resinous depth of freshly cut pine. As it dries down, it leaves a refined woody-herbal trail with just a whisper of minty coolness, behaving like a more sophisticated cousin of traditional pine oils without their harsh medicinal edges.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Pinocarvyl acetate is a monoterpene ester derived from pinocarvone. While not found abundantly in nature, it’s structurally related to compounds occurring in various conifer resins. Industrially produced through acetylation of pinocarvone, this synthetic route allows for consistent quality control. The molecule’s bicyclic structure contributes to its good stability and moderate volatility, making it useful as a top-to-middle note in fragrance compositions.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to Middle
Volatility
Medium (1-3 hours)
Blending
Good with woody and citrus materials
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used as woody-camphoraceous modifier
Functional Fragrance0.1-1%Up to 3%For pine-type cleaner scents

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to add naturalistic woody depth to citrus top notes without heaviness.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Pinocarvone CAS 30460-92-5

The precursor alcohol with sharper camphoraceous character, useful when more medicinal punch is desired.

2
Bornyl acetate CAS 76-49-3

More common pine-type ester with similar but softer profile, better for mainstream applications.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted under IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

No specific RIFM assessment found for this material.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, pinocarvyl acetate production doesn’t rely on natural resource extraction. However, its synthesis typically involves petrochemical precursors. The environmental impact depends on manufacturing processes and waste management at production facilities. Being used at relatively low concentrations in fragrances, its overall ecological footprint is modest compared to some natural alternatives requiring large-scale plant harvesting.

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References

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

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    Layer 3 · Practical

    • Odor Profile: camphoreous, fruity, herbal, mint

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