2,6-Dimethyl-5-heptenal (CAS 106-72-9) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Green · Citrus

2,6-Dimethyl-5-heptenal

CAS 106-72-9

Origin
synthetic
Note
Top to middle
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 2,6-Dimethyl-5-heptenal?

2,6-Dimethyl-5-heptenal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add fresh, green, and slightly metallic nuances to perfumes. It’s often found in floral and citrus compositions for household products and fine fragrances. This aldehyde contributes a crisp, modern edge to scents, making it valuable for creating contemporary accords that stand out in crowded markets.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe at recommended usage levels
Potential skin sensitizer – check IFRA limits
CAS
106-72-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Citrus
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2,6-Dimethyl-5-heptenal Smell Like?

2,6-Dimethyl-5-heptenal opens with a sharp, green burst reminiscent of freshly crushed leaves, evolving into a crisp metallic edge like rain on hot pavement. The dry-down reveals a subtle floralcy akin to distant gardenias, underpinned by a clean, soapy undertone that lingers with almost citrus-like freshness.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau Sauvage(Dior, 1966)

Used to amplify the citrus top notes while adding a modern green dimension that complements the herbal heart.

Vent Vert(Balmain, 1947)

Provides the sharp green accent that defines this groundbreaking chlorophyll-inspired fragrance.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2,6-Dimethylhept-5-enal

SMILES: CC(CCC=C(C)C)C=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This unsaturated aldehyde belongs to the family of branched-chain aldehydes, synthesized through aldol condensation reactions. Its structure features both aldehyde functionality and a double bond, making it reactive in perfumery applications. The molecule’s shape creates specific olfactory receptors activation patterns responsible for its unique green-metallic character.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point~180-190 °C (estimated)
Molecular Weight140.22 g/mol

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good with citrus and white florals
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%For fresh green accents
Functional Products0.05-0.2%Up to 0.5%Provides clean effects

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to avoid overwhelming compositions with its metallic character.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Leaf Alcohol CAS 928-96-1

For a more natural green effect without metallic nuances.

2
Verdox CAS 88-41-5

When longer-lasting green woody notes are preferred.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not currently restricted under IFRA standards, but usage should follow general aldehyde precautions.

EU Allergen Declaration

Not listed in EU allergen regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

GHS Classification

H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has reviewed safety data and established acceptable use levels in fragrance applications.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, 2,6-Dimethyl-5-heptenal doesn’t rely on natural resources but requires energy-intensive production. Modern manufacturing processes aim to minimize environmental impact through efficient catalysis and waste reduction.

Explore 2,6-Dimethyl-5-heptenal

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

  1. Brenna, E. et al. (2002). Fragrance Chemistry. Tetrahedron, 58(44), 8961-8972. DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4020(02)01124-2
  2. IFRA Standards Library, 49th Amendment. IFRA

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

Report a data error

Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 106-72-9

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight140.22 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)2.5🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point181 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.76 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point62 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Involatility Index0.0692💻 Calculated
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.78💻 Calculated
SMILESCC(CCC=C(C)C)C=O🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteTop💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassSlow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score0.5 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsgreenmelon• leffingwell
Functional Groupsaldehydealkene💻 RDKit
“00C—CH(CH& Its peculiar fruity -resinous-balsamic sweet- / ness is quite characteristic of this series of \ esters, and it makes them suitable for Oriental ( fragrance creations with Opopanax, Labda- num, Patchouli, etc. HeaW, fruit y-balsamic odor of good tena- city. It performs very well in various types of Almost insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol household fragrance, and gives pleasant eff”📖 Arctander
2,6-Dimethyl-5-heptenal has a characteristic odor of melon and a corresponding taste.📖 Fenaroli
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: DTXSID8044753

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 140.226 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.85 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point 181 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Melting Point -17.185 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 61.117 °C🔬 EPA CTX
Refractive Index 1.434 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 168.207 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 3.138 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 3.138 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 3.138 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 4.43 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.004 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 1.228 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX
Viscosity 1.662 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 26.013 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 132.94 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 4 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 43.791 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 17.36 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.

Similar Posts