Cresol (Unspecified) (CAS 1319-77-3) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Cresol (Unspecified)
CAS 1319-77-3
What Is Cresol (Unspecified)?
Cresol is a synthetic aromatic compound often encountered in disinfectants, industrial cleaners, and some medicinal products. It has a distinctive phenolic odor that can be overpowering in high concentrations. This ingredient matters because it serves as a building block for more complex fragrance molecules and has antimicrobial properties, though its direct use in consumer fragrances is limited due to its harsh character.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Cresol (Unspecified) Smell Like?
Cresol presents a sharp, medicinal phenolic aroma with tar-like undertones. Initially pungent and camphoraceous, it evolves into a smoky, leathery dry-down. The odor profile is reminiscent of hospital antiseptics or creosote-treated wood, with a persistent, slightly sweet decay note that lingers tenaciously on smelling strips.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: C*.OC1=CC=CC=C1 |c:4,6,t:2,lp:2:2,m:1:6.8.7|
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Cresol refers to three isomeric methylphenols (ortho-, meta-, and para-cresol) derived from coal tar or petroleum. These monocyclic aromatic compounds exhibit significant antimicrobial activity. Industrial synthesis typically involves alkylation of phenol with methanol or oxidation of toluene. The isomers have distinct olfactory profiles and are often separated for specific applications in fragrance chemistry.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 191-202 °C (varies by isomer) |
|---|---|
| Density | 1.03-1.05 g/cm³ (varies by isomer) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Fragrances | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Masking agent for harsh chemicals |
| Disinfectants | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Functional antimicrobial component |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in trace amounts for smoky leather accords, always well-diluted and balanced with sweeter notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Less harsh phenolic alternative with similar smoky character, preferred in fine fragrance applications.
Softer, more refined cresol derivative with floral-animalic nuances suitable for perfumery.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
IFRA restricted – Amendment 49 (2019) limits cresol isomers to 0.03% in leave-on products due to sensitization potential.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not classified as an EU allergen, but subject to declaration due to sensitizing properties.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment concluded cresols should be avoided in consumer products due to high sensitization potential.
Sustainability
Primarily derived from petrochemical sources, though some cresol is recovered from coal tar distillation. Production carries significant environmental impact due to energy-intensive processes and hazardous byproducts. Biocatalytic production methods are under development but not yet commercially viable.
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References
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 1319-77-3Regulatory Status
| IFRA Listed | Yes — see IFRA Standards for category limits⚖️ IFRA 51 |
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: DTXSID3024364
Physical Properties
| Density | 1.036 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -18.9 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 93 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.33 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 20.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 1 count💻 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.
