trans-2-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate (CAS 20298-70-8) — Woody Middle to Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

trans-2-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate

CAS 20298-70-8

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

What Is trans-2-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate?

Trans-2-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add woody, amber-like notes to perfumes. It’s commonly found in fine fragrances and personal care products. This molecule is valued for its stability and ability to enhance other scent components, making it a versatile tool for perfumers. Its subtle yet long-lasting character helps create sophisticated fragrance profiles.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for individual sensitivity
CAS
20298-70-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does trans-2-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate Smell Like?

Trans-2-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate offers a refined woody aroma with subtle amber undertones. Its scent evolves from a crisp initial impression to a warm, slightly powdery dry-down. The fragrance is reminiscent of polished wood in a sunlit library, with a clean, almost mineral-like quality that prevents it from becoming cloying. Over time, it reveals a faintly musky character that blends seamlessly with other notes.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Santal 33(Le Labo, 2011)

Used to enhance the woody accord, providing a clean, modern edge to the signature sandalwood base.

Terre d'Hermès(Hermès, 2006)

Contributes to the mineral-woody character, complementing the flint and vetiver notes.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

trans-2-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate

SMILES: CC(=O)O[C@@H]1CCCC[C@H]1C(C)(C)C

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Trans-2-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate is a synthetic ester derived from cyclohexanol. The tert-butyl group at the 2-position creates significant steric hindrance, influencing both its odor profile and chemical stability. This structural feature makes it resistant to hydrolysis compared to simpler acetates. The trans configuration is preferred in perfumery for its cleaner odor profile. Industrial synthesis typically involves acetylation of the corresponding alcohol precursor.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot readily available
DensityNot readily available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to Base
Volatility
Medium (2-6 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Adds woody depth
Personal Care0.5-2%Up to 3%Provides subtle sophistication

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to add woody warmth without overwhelming floral or citrus notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Vetiveryl acetate CAS 62563-80-8

Offers similar woody character but with more pronounced green facets when a fresher profile is desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No current IFRA restrictions.

EU Allergen Declaration

Not listed as an EU allergen.

RIFM Assessment

Considered safe for use in current applications by RIFM.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, production can be optimized for minimal environmental impact. The starting materials are petroleum-derived, but efficient synthesis routes help reduce waste. Unlike some natural alternatives, its production doesn’t require agricultural land or compete with food crops.

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References

  1. PubChem: trans-2-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate PubChem CID
  2. IFRA Standards Library IFRA

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

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Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID001014824

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 198.306 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.923 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 225.544 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 26.939 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 87.848 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.451 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 213.127 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.419 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 4.419 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 4.419 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.84 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0.001 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.072 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 4.96 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 29.529 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 122.905 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 26.3 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 1 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 57.38 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 22.747 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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