Spiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2,5′-[1,3]dioxane], 2′,2′,3,7,7-pentamethyl-, (1.alpha.,3.alpha.,6.alpha.)- (CAS 121251-67-0) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Spiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2,5'-[1,3]dioxane], 2',2',3,7,7-pentamethyl-, (1.alpha.,3.alpha.,6.alpha.)-

CAS 121251-67-0

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

What Is Spiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2,5'-[1,3]dioxane], 2',2',3,7,7-pentamethyl-, (1.alpha.,3.alpha.,6.alpha.)-?

This synthetic compound is a specialized fragrance ingredient primarily used in modern perfumery. It appears in niche and experimental fragrances where unique woody-amber effects are desired. The molecule contributes to long-lasting base notes with subtle complexity, making it valuable for creating depth without overpowering other elements.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major restrictions under IFRA
Limited safety data – use moderate concentrations
CAS
121251-67-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Spiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2,5'-[1,3]dioxane], 2',2',3,7,7-pentamethyl-, (1.alpha.,3.alpha.,6.alpha.)- Smell Like?

A sophisticated woody-amber molecule with dry, slightly mineralic undertones. Opens with crisp woody facets reminiscent of freshly split cedar, evolving into a smooth ambery heart with hints of warm musk. The dry-down reveals exceptional tenacity, leaving a refined trail that blends seamlessly with sandalwood and patchouli bases. Comparable to the dry elegance of high-end oud accords but without animalic nuances.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

rel-(1R,3S,6S)-2′,2′,3,7,7-Pentamethylspiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2,5′-[1,3]dioxane]

SMILES: [H][C@@]12CC[C@@H](C)C3(COC(C)(C)OC3)[C@]1([H])C2(C)C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This bicyclic spiro compound belongs to the class of synthetic amber odorants. The rigid molecular structure combines dioxane and bicycloheptane moieties, creating exceptional stability and low volatility. Industrial synthesis typically involves catalytic cyclization of terpene precursors. The specific stereochemistry (1α,3α,6α configuration) is crucial for its odor profile, with other isomers exhibiting markedly different scent characteristics.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular ClassBicyclic spiro compound
Odor ThresholdExtremely low (ppb range)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (24+ hours)
Blending
Specialist
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Base note fixative
Functional Fragrances0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Longevity booster

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a dry woody amplifier in oriental and woody compositions where traditional ambers would be too sweet.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

For brighter ambery effects with better diffusion but less woody depth

2
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

When seeking more pronounced woody dryness with cedar-like facets

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted under any IFRA standards. Listed as safe for use in all fragrance categories.

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests low sensitization potential.

Sustainability

As a fully synthetic material, production avoids natural resource depletion. Manufacturing typically uses petrochemical feedstocks with moderate energy requirements. The exceptional potency reduces environmental load through lower usage rates compared to traditional materials.

Explore Spiro[bicyclo[4.1.0]heptane-2,5'-[1,3]dioxane], 2',2',3,7,7-pentamethyl-, (1.alpha.,3.alpha.,6.alpha.)-

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References

  1. Brenna et al. (2012). Stereochemistry-odor relationships in spiroethers. Flavour and Fragrance Journal.
  2. IFRA Standards Library (2023). Amendment 49 Restricted Substances List. IFRA

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

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Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID10888255

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 238.371 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.015 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 252.71 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 58.293 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 103.151 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.497 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 235.189 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.006 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 4.006 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 4.006 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 7.07 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.019 mmHg📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 32.508 dyn/cm📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 18.46 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 0 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 68.808 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 27.278 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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