Tricyclodecenyl propionate (CAS 17511-60-3) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Balsamic

Tricyclodecenyl propionate

CAS 17511-60-3

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Tricyclodecenyl propionate?

Tricyclodecenyl propionate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient primarily used in industrial and household products. It imparts a woody, amber-like scent that enhances cleaning products and air fresheners. This compound matters because it provides long-lasting fragrance stability in formulations that require durability under various environmental conditions.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Stable in formulations
⚠ Potential skin sensitizer
CAS
17511-60-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Tricyclodecenyl propionate Smell Like?

Tricyclodecenyl propionate offers a robust woody-amber character with subtle resinous undertones. The scent evolves from an initial sharp, almost metallic edge to a warm, slightly sweet dry-down. It behaves like a hardened version of labdanum, with less sweetness and more structural rigidity in its odor profile.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

4,7-Methano-1H-inden-6-ol, 3a,4,5,6,7,7a-hexahydro-, propanoate

SMILES: CCC(=O)OC1CC2CC1C1CC=CC21

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Tricyclodecenyl propionate is a synthetic ester derived from tricyclodecenyl alcohol and propionic acid. Its unique bicyclic structure contributes to its stability and tenacity in fragrance applications. The molecule’s rigidity prevents rapid evaporation, making it ideal for long-lasting scent profiles in functional products.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling PointNot readily available
DensityNot readily available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (hours-days)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Household Products0.5-2%Up to 5%Provides lasting fragrance
Industrial Cleaners1-3%Up to 8%Masking agent

Classic Accords

Tip: Use with citrus top notes to brighten its heavy woody character.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Amberwood CAS N/A

A more natural-smelling alternative with similar tenacity but less chemical sharpness.

2
Iso E Super CAS 54464-57-2

Offers a smoother woody profile without the resinous edge.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted by IFRA.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

No RIFM safety assessment found.

Sustainability

As a fully synthetic material, tricyclodecenyl propionate doesn’t rely on natural resources. Its production requires standard petrochemical inputs, with typical environmental impacts of industrial organic synthesis. Reformulation opportunities exist using renewable carbon sources.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary PubChem

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

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Perfumers Notes

Odor Profile

Fresh, herbal.

Standard Dilution

10% in DPG (standard dilution for most fragrance materials)

Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 17511-60-3

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight206.28 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)2.6🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point268 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point112.9 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
log Kp (skin permeability)-2.112💻 Calculated

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteBase💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score8.1 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsfreshherbal• leffingwell
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: DTXSID8036312

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 206.285 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.099 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 270.828 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 69.829 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 122.197 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.531 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 186.659 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.887 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.887 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.887 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 6.66 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.002 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.002 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 8.48 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 36.492 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 116.8 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 2 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 57.766 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 22.9 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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