dl-Camphor (CAS 21368-68-3) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
dl-Camphor
CAS 21368-68-3
What Is dl-Camphor?
dl-Camphor is a synthetic version of the aromatic compound found naturally in camphor trees. People encounter it in vapor rubs, moth repellents, and some traditional fragrances. Its crisp, medicinal aroma provides cooling sensations and nostalgic scent memories. Camphor matters in perfumery as a bridge between fresh and woody notes, adding lift to fougères and oriental accords while contributing to the ‘barbershop’ scent profile many associate with classic aftershaves.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does dl-Camphor Smell Like?
dl-Camphor bursts with an icy, almost mentholated sharpness that quickly settles into a dry woody character. Imagine cracking open an antique wooden chest lined with mothballs – that initial punch of crisp medicinal air is camphor’s signature. Over time, it reveals subtle resinous undertones reminiscent of aged pine sap. Unlike natural camphor, the synthetic version lacks the slight earthy nuances but delivers cleaner, more consistent performance in blends.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used sparingly to add crispness to the citrus-herbal opening, enhancing the fougère structure without overpowering the delicate citrus notes.
Provides cooling contrast to the warm anise and lavender heart, creating the classic ‘hot and cold’ masculine effect.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC1(C)C2CCC1(C)C(=O)C2
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
dl-Camphor is a bicyclic terpenoid ketone, specifically 1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one. The synthetic version is racemic (equal parts d- and l- isomers), unlike natural camphor which is typically the d-isomer. Industrially produced via alpha-pinene isomerization to camphene followed by oxidation. The racemic mixture has slightly different physical properties than the natural form, including lower melting point and altered crystallization behavior.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 204 °C |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 175-180 °C |
| Flash Point | 64 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Used sparingly for lift |
| Functional Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | In moth repellents |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in trace amounts with citrus top notes to prevent harshness while maintaining freshness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Less sharp camphoraceous note with more woody character, suitable when a softer effect is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
IFRA restricted to 3.5% in leave-on products (Amendment 49). Prohibited in products for children.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms restricted use levels based on neurotoxicity concerns at high concentrations.
Sustainability
Synthetic production avoids harvesting from endangered camphor trees. Modern catalytic processes have reduced environmental impact compared to traditional methods. Being petroleum-derived, its carbon footprint depends on manufacturing practices.
Explore dl-Camphor
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References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 21368-68-3Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 152.23 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.2🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 203.9 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.2 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 65.6 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0175💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -2.067💻 Calculated |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Heart💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 1.1 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | balsamiccamphoraceouswoody• leffingwell |
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: DTXSID5030955
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 152.237 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.99 g/cm^3🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 203.9 °C🔬 PubChem |
| Flash Point | 65.6 °C🔬 PubChem |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 2.402 dimensionless💻 Computed |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.2 mmHg🔬 PubChem |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 17.07 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 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.
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