3-Ethylhexahydro-2(3H)-benzofuranone (CAS 54491-17-7) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Musky

3-Ethylhexahydro-2(3H)-benzofuranone

CAS 54491-17-7

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

What Is 3-Ethylhexahydro-2(3H)-benzofuranone?

3-Ethylhexahydro-2(3H)-benzofuranone is a synthetic fragrance ingredient known for its woody, musky, and slightly sweet aroma. It is commonly used in perfumes, body care products, and household cleaners to add depth and warmth. This ingredient matters because it enhances fragrance longevity and blends well with other notes, creating complex and appealing scents.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for individual sensitivities
CAS
54491-17-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Musky
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 3-Ethylhexahydro-2(3H)-benzofuranone Smell Like?

3-Ethylhexahydro-2(3H)-benzofuranone offers a rich, woody-musky character with subtle sweet undertones. Its scent evolves from a warm, slightly earthy top note to a deep, lingering base. The dry-down is smooth and persistent, making it ideal for enhancing the longevity of fragrances. Its aroma is reminiscent of aged woods and amber, providing a sophisticated and comforting finish.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Woody Elegance(Synthetic Scents, 2020)

Used to create a warm, woody base that complements floral and spicy notes, adding depth and longevity.

Musk Harmony(Modern Perfumery, 2018)

Enhances the musky profile, blending seamlessly with vanilla and sandalwood for a cozy, inviting scent.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

3-Ethylhexahydro-2(3H)-benzofuranone

SMILES: CCC1C2CCCCC2OC1=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

3-Ethylhexahydro-2(3H)-benzofuranone is a synthetic musk belonging to the benzofuranone class. It is synthesized through catalytic hydrogenation of ethylbenzofuran derivatives. The compound’s structure contributes to its stability and persistence in fragrances. Its chiral centers may influence its olfactory properties, though specific enantiomeric effects are not well-documented.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot available
DensityNot available

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (hours to days)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Adds depth and longevity
Body Care0.5-3%Up to 5%Enhances warm, woody notes

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in small amounts to avoid overpowering other notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ethylene Brassylate CAS 105-95-3

A synthetic musk with a cleaner, more neutral profile, suitable for lighter fragrances.

2
Galaxolide CAS 1222-05-5

A widely used synthetic musk with a strong, sweet, and powdery character.

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 specific RIFM assessment found.

Sustainability

As a synthetic ingredient, 3-Ethylhexahydro-2(3H)-benzofuranone is produced in controlled environments, minimizing environmental impact compared to natural extraction. Its synthesis can be optimized for reduced waste and energy use.

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References

  1. PubChem. 3-Ethylhexahydro-2(3H)-benzofuranone. PubChem CID: N/A

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 54491-17-7

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight168.23 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)2.5🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point240 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0.0219 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point110.9 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Involatility Index0.0018💻 Calculated
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.951💻 Calculated
SMILESCCC1C2CCCCC2OC1=O🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score2.8 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Primary Descriptorsmuskywoody• leffingwell
Functional Groupsesterether💻 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: DTXSID0052203

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 168.236 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.054 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 259.13 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 51.357 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 114.069 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.467 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 165.802 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 2.542 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 2.542 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 2.542 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.77 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.013 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.011 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 5.165 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 30.891 dyn/cm📊 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 1 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 46.009 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 18.239 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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