watermelon ketone

Watermelon ketone, chemically designated as 8-methyl-1,5-benzodioxepin-3-one, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₁₀H₁₀O₃. It is also known under various synonyms such as 7-methyl-2H-1,5-benzodioxepin-3(4H)-one or Calone. The compound exhibits a pale appearance in pure form and is characterized by a distinct melon-like odor combined with aquatic, marine, and ozone aroma impression. Derived originally through synthetic organic chemistry routes, watermelon ketone is primarily utilized as a fragrance material. Its olfactory profile makes it a valuable component in modern perfumery, where it contributes fresh, green, and watery notes. This compound is available commercially typically diluted in solvents such as dipropylene glycol to facilitate handling and blending.

Watermelon ketone is not naturally occurring but is synthetically produced for commercial use due to its unique olfactory qualities. It is widely applied as a fragrance agent in perfumes and personal care products, where it imparts a fresh, watery melon aroma with marine and ozone nuances. Its inclusion enhances the impression of clean, green, and aquatic accords. The compound’s use is recognized and regulated under IFRA (Global) standards, which recommend limiting its concentration in fragrance concentrates to 0.5%. Given its stable aroma and substantivity exceeding 600 hours at 10% in dipropylene glycol, watermelon ketone is favored in fine fragrances, colognes, and various scented formulations aiming for freshness and aquatic themes.

Watermelon ketone is a low-volatility solid with a melting point range between 38 and 41°C at atmospheric pressure. Its vapor pressure at 25°C is very low, around 0.001 mmHg, indicating limited evaporation under typical ambient conditions. The compound demonstrates moderate lipophilicity with a logP value near 2.43, suggesting balanced solubility in both aqueous and organic environments. Soluble in alcohol and dipropylene glycol, it is only slightly soluble in water, with an estimated solubility of approximately 471.5 mg/L at 25°C, and insoluble in paraffin oil. It exhibits good stability across various product matrices such as fine fragrances and detergents, maintaining integrity at usage concentrations around 0.5%. The flash point is approximately 332°F (167°C), supporting safe handling under recommended storage conditions in sealed containers protected from heat and light.

	8-methyl-1,5-benzodioxepin-3-one
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	28940-11-6
Pubchem (cid):	120101
Pubchem (sid):	135077863

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Safety information

European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xi - Irritant
R 36/38 - Irritating to skin and eyes. S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children. S 24/25 - Avoid contact with skin and eyes. S 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. S 37/39 - Wear suitable gloves and eye/face protection.
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
Acute toxicity, Oral (Category 4), H302
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Signal word	Warning
Hazard statement(s)
H302 - Harmful if swallowed
Precautionary statement(s)
P264 - Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P270 - Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P301 + P312 - IF SWALLOWED: call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician IF you feel unwell. P330 - Rinse mouth. P501 - Dispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plant.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
oral-rat LD50 1556 mg/kg Dispose of contents/ container to an approved waste disposal plant.
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
Recommendation for watermelon ketone usage levels up to:
	0.5000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Recommendation for watermelon ketone flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

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Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):28940-11-6

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :120101

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:2

8-methyl-1,5-benzodioxepin-3-one

Chemidplus:0028940116