Methyl 2-[[[2,4(or 3,5)-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl]methylene]amino]benzoate (CAS 68738-99-8) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Floral

Methyl 2-[[[2,4(or 3,5)-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl]methylene]amino]benzoate

CAS 68738-99-8

Origin
synthetic
Note
Middle to base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Methyl 2-[[[2,4(or 3,5)-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl]methylene]amino]benzoate?

Methyl 2-[[[2,4(or 3,5)-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl]methylene]amino]benzoate is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumery. It’s found in niche and designer fragrances, often as part of complex woody-floral accords. This molecule matters because it contributes unique aromatic qualities that can’t be replicated by natural extracts alone. Its controlled synthesis allows perfumers to create consistent, long-lasting scent profiles while avoiding supply chain issues associated with natural materials.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ IFRA compliant at standard usage levels
⚠ Limited safety data – use caution
CAS
68738-99-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Methyl 2-[[[2,4(or 3,5)-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl]methylene]amino]benzoate Smell Like?

This synthetic molecule presents an intriguing duality – opening with crisp, almost metallic woody notes reminiscent of freshly planed cedar, then revealing a subtle floral-animalic heart reminiscent of aged leather books. The dry-down carries a faintly sweet, vanillic nuance that lingers close to the skin. The overall effect is sophisticated and slightly mysterious, like the scent of antique wooden furniture in a sunlit library.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Methyl 2-[[[2,4(or 3,5)-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl]methylene]amino]benzoate

SMILES: COC(=O)C1=C(NC=C2CCC(C)=CC2C)C=CC=C1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This Schiff base derivative belongs to the class of aromatic amino esters. The molecule features a cyclohexenyl ring system conjugated with an aromatic ester moiety, creating unique electronic properties that influence its odor characteristics. Synthesis typically involves condensation reactions between substituted cyclohexenecarboxaldehydes and methyl anthranilate derivatives. The dimethyl substitution pattern on the cyclohexene ring contributes to its distinctive woody character while preventing unwanted polymerization reactions.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearancePale yellow viscous liquid
SolubilitySoluble in ethanol and oils

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used as woody-floral fixative
Home Care0.1-0.5%Up to 1%For sophisticated woody notes

Classic Accords

Tip: Use with aldehydes to brighten its woody character.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Vertofix Coeur CAS 68039-49-6

More pronounced woody character with better stability in alkaline systems.

2
Methyl dihydrojasmonate CAS 24851-98-7

Softer floral-woody alternative with better diffusion.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No current IFRA restrictions. Listed on IFRA Transparency List.

RIFM Assessment

Under evaluation by RIFM. Preliminary data suggests low acute toxicity.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this ingredient avoids the agricultural impacts of natural extracts. However, its synthesis requires petrochemical feedstocks and energy-intensive processes. The fragrance industry is investigating greener synthetic routes using biocatalysis to reduce environmental impact. Proper waste management during manufacturing is essential to minimize ecological effects.

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References

  1. Bauer et al. (2001). Modern Synthetic Methods in Perfumery. Chemistry & Biodiversity.
  2. IFRA Transparency List (2023) IFRA Official Site

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 68738-99-8

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight271.35 g/mol🔬 PubChem
LogP (Octanol-Water)3.9🔬 PubChem
Boiling Point307 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
Vapor Pressure0 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
Flash Point198.9 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
log Kp (skin permeability)-1.586💻 Calculated
SMILESCC1C=C(CCC1=CNC2=CC=CC=C2C(=O)OC)C🔬 PubChem

Volatility & Performance

Fragrance NoteBase💻 Calculated
Volatility ClassVery slow💻 Calculated
Persistence Score11.9 / 5💻 Calculated

Odor & Flavor

Functional Groupsesteretheralkenearomaticamine💻 RDKit
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.

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID5052418

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 271.36 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 1.105 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 360.777 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 88.132 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 190.857 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.616 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 240.168 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.467 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 3.637 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 4.372 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 8.42 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 31.794 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 48.125 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 143.486 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 38.33 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 1 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 3 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 3 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 83.889 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 33.256 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.

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