Tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decan-8-one (CAS 13380-94-4) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decan-8-one

CAS 13380-94-4

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

What Is Tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decan-8-one?

Tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decan-8-one is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in modern perfumery to create woody, amber-like accords. Consumers encounter it in masculine fragrances and fabric conditioners where it provides long-lasting warmth. This molecule matters because its unique structure allows perfumers to create stable, diffusive woody notes without using natural sandalwood or cedar extracts.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
IFRA compliant for most applications
Avoid high concentrations in leave-on products
CAS
13380-94-4
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Tricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decan-8-one Smell Like?

A powerful woody-amber molecule with initial camphoraceous sharpness that quickly settles into a smooth, slightly sweet cedar-like heart. The drydown reveals remarkable tenacity – like fine sandalwood wrapped in warm musk, with none of the natural oil’s dairy nuances. Over hours, it behaves like a musical bass note, amplifying surrounding florals without ever dominating.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Sauvage(Dior, 2015)

Used here to amplify the synthetic amber accord, providing masculine warmth that persists through the fragrance’s evolution.

Baccarat Rouge 540(Maison Francis Kurkdjian, 2015)

Contributes to the signature woody-amber backbone that makes this fragrance so tenacious yet transparent.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Tricyclo(5.2.1.02,6)decane-8-one

SMILES: O=C1CC2CC1C1CCCC21

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

A bridged polycyclic ketone with exceptional stability. The strained cage-like structure contributes to both its volatility profile and odor characteristics. Industrially produced via Diels-Alder reactions followed by selective oxidation. The rigid geometry prevents common degradation pathways, making it ideal for functional fragrances.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular Weight164.25 g/mol
Boiling Point285 °C
LogP3.1 (estimated)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (8+ hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-3%Up to 5%Amber/woody accords
Functional0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Fabric conditioners

Classic Accords

Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent initial harshness from dominating.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Norlimbanol CAS 70788-30-6

When a more pronounced woody-dry character is desired, though less stable in alkaline formulations.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No restrictions under current IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM-reviewed with no significant safety concerns at typical usage levels.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, production is independent of natural resource constraints. Modern manufacturing routes achieve high atom economy with minimal hazardous byproducts.

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References

  1. IFRA Standards Library (2023) IFRA

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 13380-94-4

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight150.22 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)2🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point230 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.3631 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point101.1 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Involatility Index0.0319💻 Calculated
log Kp (skin permeability)-2.196💻 Calculated
SMILESC1CC2C(C1)C3CC2CC3=O🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassSlow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score0.7 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Functional Groupsketone💻 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: DTXSID9047463

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 150.221 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.091 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 228.671 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 42.934 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 95.231 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.535 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 135.945 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.213 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.213 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.213 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.26 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.006 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.178 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 6.528 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 38.317 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 119.429 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 0 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 42.353 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 16.79 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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