3-Methylcyclopentadecenone (CAS 82356-51-2) — Musky Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
3-Methylcyclopentadecenone
CAS 82356-51-2
What Is 3-Methylcyclopentadecenone?
3-Methylcyclopentadecenone is a synthetic musk compound used in modern perfumery. It’s found in high-end fragrances, body care products, and fabric softeners. This ingredient creates long-lasting, skin-like musk notes that blend seamlessly with other fragrance components. Its importance lies in providing subtle yet persistent warmth to perfumes without being overpowering, making it a favorite for skin-scent effects in contemporary fragrances.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 3-Methylcyclopentadecenone Smell Like?
3-Methylcyclopentadecenone delivers a refined musk character that unfolds gradually on skin. Initially presenting a clean, slightly metallic muskiness reminiscent of freshly laundered linen, it evolves into a warm, skin-like aura with hints of ambery sweetness. The dry-down reveals its true power – a velvety, persistent musk that lingers close to the skin for hours, creating an intimate sillage. Unlike animalic musks, this molecule offers a modern interpretation with polished cleanliness and subtle powdery undertones.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to soften the animalic musks, providing a clean counterpoint to the civet notes while maintaining the fragrance’s sensual character.
Forms the backbone of this ‘skin-but-better’ scent, creating the impression of natural body warmth without overt muskiness.
Blended with floral notes to create the signature ‘clean musk’ effect that defines this modern classic.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC1=CCCCCCCCCCCCCC1=O
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
3-Methylcyclopentadecenone belongs to the macrocyclic musk family, characterized by a large ring structure (typically 15-17 carbons) with a ketone functional group. Synthetic macrocyclic musks were developed as alternatives to animal-derived musks and problematic nitro musks. This particular variant features a methyl group at the 3-position which modifies its odor profile compared to unsubstituted cyclopentadecanone. Modern synthesis typically involves ring-closing metathesis or Baeyer-Villiger oxidation routes starting from appropriate cyclic precursors.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 238.4 g/mol (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Provides long-lasting musk foundation |
| Body Care | 0.1-1% | Up to 2% | Clean skin-musk effect |
| Fabric Care | 0.05-0.5% | Up to 1% | Lingering freshness |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use at 0.5-1% to add subtle diffusion to floral compositions without dominating.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a softer, more powdery musk effect with similar longevity but less warmth.
When seeking more animalic character while maintaining the macrocyclic musk structure.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific restrictions under current IFRA standards (Amendment 49). Classified as a non-nitrated polycyclic musk.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM safety assessment ongoing; preliminary data suggests safe use at current industry levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic musk, 3-Methylcyclopentadecenone avoids the ecological concerns of animal-derived musks. However, like all macrocyclic musks, its environmental persistence requires careful wastewater management during production. Modern synthesis routes have significantly improved atom economy compared to early production methods.
Explore 3-Methylcyclopentadecenone
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References
- Frater et al. (1998). Structure-Odor Relationships of Macrocyclic Musks. Helvetica Chimica Acta. DOI: 10.1002/hlca.19980810132
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 82356-51-2Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 236.39 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 6.1🔬 PubChem |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | 0.189💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC1=CCCCCCCCCCCCCC1=O🔬 PubChem |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | muskysweet• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | ketonealkene💻 RDKit |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 0.184 ppm📖 van Gemert |
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: DTXSID9051400
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 236.39 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 6.1 Log10 unitless🔬 PubChem |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 17.07 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 74.17 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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