Patchouli Alcohol (CAS 5986-55-0) — Woody Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Patchouli Alcohol
CAS 5986-55-0
What Is Patchouli Alcohol?
Patchouli alcohol is the primary aromatic compound in patchouli essential oil, giving it that distinctive earthy, woody scent. You’ll encounter it in perfumes, incense, and aromatherapy products. This molecule matters because it’s responsible for patchouli’s signature depth and longevity in fragrances, making it a cornerstone of oriental and woody compositions.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFE
What Does Patchouli Alcohol Smell Like?
Patchouli alcohol unfolds with an initial damp earthiness reminiscent of freshly turned forest soil after rain. As it evolves, the scent deepens into a rich, woody character with subtle camphoraceous undertones – imagine antique cedar chests lined with aged leather. The dry-down reveals a sweet, ambery warmth that lingers for hours, creating an olfactory anchor in complex compositions. Unlike crude patchouli oil, the isolated alcohol has cleaner tonal qualities without the sometimes overpowering mustiness.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Showcases patchouli alcohol’s smoky facets through birch tar pairing, creating a modern interpretation of classic patchouli with urban sophistication.
Uses patchouli alcohol’s sweetness to balance white chocolate and benzoin notes, demonstrating its versatility in gourmand-oriental hybrids.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: C[C@H]1CC[C@@]2(O)C(C)(C)[C@@H]3CC[C@@]2(C)[C@H]1C3
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Patchouli alcohol (C15H26O) is a sesquiterpene alcohol with three chiral centers, occurring naturally as (-)-patchouli alcohol in Pogostemon cablin plants. Industrially produced through fractional distillation of patchouli oil or via synthetic routes from guaiene precursors. The molecule’s rigid bicyclic structure contributes to its exceptional tenacity and resistance to oxidation compared to other terpenoids.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 285 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.98 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.505 |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Foundation for oriental bases |
| Home Fragrance | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Provides depth to candle blends |
Classic Accords
+ Bergamot + Vetiver = Modern Chypre
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent initial mustiness perception in fresh compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Lighter, more floral variant with similar tenacity but less earthy character, useful when patchouli alcohol’s intensity needs modulation.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions (2023 Amendment 51).
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels.
Sustainability
Patchouli alcohol production faces sustainability challenges due to increasing demand and land-use changes in Southeast Asian growing regions. Synthetic production offers consistent quality but lacks the complexity of natural isolates. Responsible sourcing programs are emerging to support smallholder farmers in Indonesia.
Explore Patchouli Alcohol
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
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Industry & Science Data
References
- Baldovini et al. (2011). Phytochemistry and aromatic plants: Patchouli alcohol. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. DOI 10.1002/ffj.2043
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Ingredient Data Sheet
CAS 5986-55-0Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 222.37 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.1🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 321.7 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.0011 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 120.2 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0001💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.145💻 Calculated |
| SMILES | CC1CCC2(C(C3CCC2(C1C3)C)(C)C)O🔬 PubChem |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Base💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Very slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 6.6 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | patchouli• leffingwell |
| Functional Groups | alcohol💻 RDKit |
| “The cosmetic literature refers to iso-Thymol as a liquid, and there are only two candidates for that description, Nos. 3) and 4) with boil- ing points respectively 226° C. and 231° C. Theoretically, Carvacrol is also a liquid isomer of Thymol, but the odor of the com- mercial iso-Thymol does not at all resemble”📖 Arctander | |
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: DTXSID9052266
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 222.372 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.07 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 321.7 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 53.1 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 141.499 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.515 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 222.087 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 5.5 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 4.151 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.151 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 9.23 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.001 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 27.725 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 35.939 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 120.22 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
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 | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 66.964 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 26.546 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.
