8-Cyclohexadecen-1-one, (8Z) (CAS 5120-20-7) — Musky Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Musky · Woody

8-Cyclohexadecen-1-one, (8Z)

CAS 5120-20-7

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 8-Cyclohexadecen-1-one, (8Z)?

8-Cyclohexadecen-1-one is a synthetic musk compound used in modern fragrances to create long-lasting, animalic undertones. It’s found in premium perfumes and body care products where musk notes are desired. This ingredient matters because it provides a clean, non-animal-derived alternative to traditional musks while maintaining the warm, sensual character that defines many classic fragrance compositions.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Approved for fragrance use
⚠ Potential bioaccumulation concerns
CAS
5120-20-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Musky · Woody
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 8-Cyclohexadecen-1-one, (8Z) Smell Like?

This macrocyclic musk unfolds with a smooth, velvety character reminiscent of sun-warmed skin. Initially presenting a clean, slightly powdery aura, it evolves into a deep, animalic warmth that lingers close to the skin. The dry-down reveals subtle woody undertones with a whisper of sweet amber, creating an intimate sillage that persists for hours. Compared to traditional musks, it offers a more refined, less aggressive profile that blends seamlessly with floral and woody accords.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

8-Cyclohexadecen-1-one belongs to the macrocyclic ketone class of musks, characterized by their large ring structures. These compounds mimic natural musk aromas without animal-derived ingredients. Synthesis typically involves cyclization of long-chain precursors followed by selective hydrogenation. The (8Z) configuration indicates a cis double bond at position 8, which influences both volatility and odor characteristics. Unlike nitro musks, these compounds show better environmental degradation profiles while maintaining excellent substantivity.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Molecular ClassMacrocyclic ketone
Odor StrengthMedium to strong

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (24+ hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Musk foundation
Body Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Subtle longevity

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in trace amounts to anchor floral compositions without overpowering delicate top notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ethylene Brassylate CAS 105-95-3

Cleaner musk alternative with less animalic character, suitable for fresh or floral compositions.

2
Galaxolide CAS 1222-05-5

More potent synthetic musk with stronger diffusion and laundry-musk characteristics.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No current IFRA restrictions. Listed as safe for use in all fragrance categories.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels with no significant sensitization potential.

Sustainability

As a synthetic musk, this compound avoids the ecological concerns associated with animal-derived musks. Modern production methods aim to minimize environmental impact through efficient catalysis and reduced solvent use. While persistent in the environment, it degrades more readily than traditional nitro musks.

Explore 8-Cyclohexadecen-1-one, (8Z)

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

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

    Report a data error

    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 5120-20-7

    Regulatory Status

    IFRA ListedYes — see IFRA Standards for category limits⚖️ IFRA 51
    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.

    Similar Posts