Musk Ketone (CAS 81-14-1)is a synthetic fragrance compound with the molecular formula C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅and a molecular weight of 294.303 g/mol. It appears as pale yellow crystals in powder or flake form, featuring a sweet, classic musk aroma. It is insoluble in water and ethanol but soluble in benzyl benzoate, animal oils, and essential oils. Its melting point is 135–139 °C, density is approximately 1.2 g/cm³, and flash point is approximately 153.2 °C.
Musk ketone Chemical Properties
| Melting point | 134-137 °C |
| Boiling point | 436.08°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.2051 (rough estimate) |
| Vapor pressure | 0.001Pa at 25℃ |
| Refractive index | 1.5110 (estimate) |
| Fp | 2 °C |
| Storage temp | 2-8°C |
| Solubility | DMSO : 250 mg/mL (849.47 mM; Need ultrasonic) |
| Form | Solid |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Odor | at 10.00 % in benzyl benzoate. fatty musk soapy dry floral powdery |
| Odor Type | musk |
| Biological source | synthetic |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble (<0.1 g/100 mL at 20 ºC) |
| BRN | 2062638 |
| Stability | Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases. |
| InChIKey | WXCMHFPAUCOJIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| LogP | 4.24 at 25℃ |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 81-14-1(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| NIST Chemistry Reference | 2,6-Dimethyl-3,5-dinitro-4-t-butylacetophenone(81-14-1) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Musk ketone (81-14-1) |
Product Usage
Musk Ketone is widely used as an important synthetic fragrance and fixative. In the flavor and fragrance industry, it is commonly used in the formulation of various fragrance blends to provide products with a distinctive and long-lasting musky scent, particularly in sweet, oriental, and heavy fragrance types.
In the cosmetics industry, it is frequently incorporated into perfumes, powders, creams, and similar products. It not only enhances the overall fragrance profile but also helps the scent remain on the skin for a longer period.
In addition, although its use in the
pharmaceutical field is limited due to potential toxicity and environmental concerns, pharmacological studies indicate that it can stimulate the central nervous system, respiratory center, and heart. It may also promote glandular secretion, dilate coronary arteries to increase coronary blood flow, and contribute to improved blood circulation, reduction of swelling, and relief of pain.
