2-(1-Ethylpropyl)pyridine (CAS 7399-50-0) — Woody Heart to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Balsamic

2-(1-Ethylpropyl)pyridine

CAS 7399-50-0

Origin
synthetic
Note
Heart to base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 2-(1-Ethylpropyl)pyridine?

2-(1-Ethylpropyl)pyridine is a synthetic aroma chemical used in niche perfumery to create smoky, leathery, or animalic effects. It’s found in avant-garde fragrances pushing olfactory boundaries. This ingredient matters because it represents perfumery’s cutting edge – where chemistry meets artistry to expand our scent vocabulary beyond traditional naturals.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
⚠ Limited safety data available
⚠ Professional formulation recommended
CAS
7399-50-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2-(1-Ethylpropyl)pyridine Smell Like?

A polarizing powerhouse that hits with an intense, acrid smokiness reminiscent of charred birch tar. The initial burst evolves into a complex leathery heart with subtle animalic undertones – imagine a well-worn saddle stored in a cedar chest. The dry-down reveals surprising facets: a metallic shimmer like hot iron, underpinned by an almost nutty warmth. Exceptionally tenacious, it lingers for hours as a sophisticated skin scent.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Dark Rebel(John Varvatos, 2015)

Used here to amplify the rebellious leather accord, adding an industrial smokiness that contrasts beautifully with rum and vanilla notes.

Interlude Man(Amouage, 2012)

Provides the burnt incense effect in this opulent oriental, creating tension between the resinous base and spicy top notes.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2-(1-Ethylpropyl)pyridine

SMILES: CCC(CC)C1=NC=CC=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

A pyridine derivative with a branched alkyl substituent at the 2-position. The nitrogen-containing aromatic ring contributes to its distinctive sharpness, while the ethylpropyl side chain modulates volatility and enhances leathery aspects. Typically synthesized through alkylation of 2-methylpyridine followed by purification to remove residual starting materials. The specific substitution pattern creates unique steric effects influencing both odor character and chemical reactivity.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceClear to pale yellow liquid
Boiling PointEstimated 210-230 °C
DensityApprox. 0.92-0.96 g/cm³

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Heart to base
Volatility
Moderate (4-8 hours)
Blending
Challenging
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Used sparingly for effect
Functional FragranceNot recommendedN/AToo polarizing for mass market

Classic Accords

Tip: Always pre-dilute to 1-5% in ethanol before incorporating into blends to assess full olfactory impact.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
2-Isobutylpyridine CAS 6304-16-1

Offers similar pyridine character with slightly greener, less animalic nuances. Better for applications requiring more 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 standards. Listed as safe when used at recommended levels (IFRA 49th Amendment).

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests low systemic toxicity but potential for skin sensitization at high concentrations.

Sustainability

Synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks using energy-intensive processes. No known biodegradable alternatives currently match its olfactory profile. Responsible sourcing involves working with suppliers implementing green chemistry principles to minimize environmental impact.

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References

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

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 7399-50-0

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight149.23 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)2.7🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point195.4 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0.2455 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point51.3 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Involatility Index0.0217💻 Calculated
    log Kp (skin permeability)-1.693💻 Calculated
    SMILESCCC(CC)C1=CC=CC=N1🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassSlow💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score1 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Primary Descriptorsbalsamicwoody• leffingwell
    Functional Groupsaromatic💻 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: DTXSID4052477

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 149.237 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.912 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 195.4 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Melting Point 24.717 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 65.416 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.489 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 165.743 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.259 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 2.78 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 3.247 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.06 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 0.075 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 0.332 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 2.882 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 32.232 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 126.081 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 12.89 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 1 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 3 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 47.795 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 18.947 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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