Tricyclo[5.2.1.02,7]decane-4,8-dimethanol (CAS 26896-48-0) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Balsamic

Tricyclo[5.2.1.02,7]decane-4,8-dimethanol

CAS 26896-48-0

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

What Is Tricyclo[5.2.1.02,7]decane-4,8-dimethanol?

Tricyclo[5.2.1.02,7]decane-4,8-dimethanol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient primarily used in industrial and functional perfumery. Consumers encounter it in long-lasting air fresheners, detergents, and some masculine colognes. This bicyclic diol provides exceptional stability and tenacity, making it valuable for products requiring persistent scent through heat or chemical exposure.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Not classified as hazardous
⚠ Limited toxicological data available
CAS
26896-48-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Tricyclo[5.2.1.02,7]decane-4,8-dimethanol Smell Like?

This synthetic molecule offers a clean, woody-amber character with subtle camphoraceous undertones. Initially presenting a crisp, almost metallic sharpness, it evolves into a dry cedar-like heart. The dry-down reveals remarkable persistence – a faintly sweet, musky woodiness that lingers for days on smelling strips. Imagine the scent of freshly planed lumber blended with the mineral crispness of wet stones.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Tricyclodecanedimethanol

SMILES: C1CC2C3CC(C2C1CO)CC3CO

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

A bicyclic diol with a rigid tricyclodecane framework, this compound is synthesized through Diels-Alder reactions followed by hydroxylation. The constrained geometry imparts remarkable oxidative stability. While not found in nature, its structural motifs resemble degraded diterpenoids. The two hydroxyl groups allow for versatile derivatization into esters or ethers for modified scent profiles.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular Weight196.29 g/mol
Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (days-weeks)
Blending
Good for woody bases
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Functional Fragrances1-3%Up to 5%For longevity in cleansers
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Woody base note anchor

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a fixative in woody-amber bases where extreme stability is needed.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Vertofix CAS 68039-49-6

When more pronounced woody character is desired without camphoraceous aspects.

2
Ambroxan CAS 6790-58-5

For ambery dry-down effects with better diffusion.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA.

RIFM Assessment

No RIFM safety assessment found for this specific compound.

Sustainability

As a fully synthetic material, production involves petrochemical feedstocks. However, its extreme longevity may reduce total fragrance load needed in end products. No known ecological accumulation concerns due to low volatility and water solubility.

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References

  1. Bauer, K. et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials.
  2. Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals.

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 26896-48-0

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight196.29 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)1.5🔬 PubChem
log Kp (skin permeability)-2.832💻 Calculated
SMILESC1CC2C3CC(C2C1CO)CC3CO🔬 PubChem

Odor & Flavor

Functional Groupsalcohol💻 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: DTXSID9044900

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 196.29 g/mol🔬 PubChem

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 1.5 Log10 unitless🔬 PubChem

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 40.46 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 2 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 2 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 53.58 cm^3/mol💻 Computed

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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