oakmoss phenol

Oakmoss phenol, also known by its preferred chemical name 3-Methoxy-5-methylphenol, is an aromatic organic compound recognized for its distinctive mossy odor. This phenolic derivative is a crystalline solid with a molecular formula of C₈H₁₀O₂ and a molecular weight of approximately 138.17 g/mol. It carries multiple synonyms in the fragrance industry including orcinyl 3, orcinyl (Givaudan), and orcinol monomethyl ether. The compound is often used as a fragrance material due to its characteristic odor profile that features mossy, woody, and subtle fruity notes. Oakmoss phenol is primarily derived from synthetic processes and is used to enhance the character of oakmoss absolute in perfumery. It serves as a key ingredient in woody, amber, and oriental fragrance accords and is linked to its PubChem record for detailed structural and chemical information. This compound is important due to its fragrance properties and its regulated status in cosmetic applications.

Oakmoss phenol occurs mainly as a synthetic analog of natural phenolic components found in oakmoss extracts, which are harvested from the lichen Evernia prunastri. In perfumery, it is valued for reinforcing the typical oakmoss odor and is widely used in the formulation of chypre, leather, woody, and tobacco fragrance accords. According to IFRA (Global) standards, oakmoss phenol is approved for use in fragrance concentrates but should be limited to concentrations up to 1.0% to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance. Due to its notable mossy and amber odor qualities, it also features in new mown hay and oriental-themed fragrances. Its substantivity is high, with an odor retention exceeding 400 hours at 20% concentration. Oakmoss phenol is primarily applied as a perfuming agent and is not intended for flavoring use.

Oakmoss phenol presents as a material with moderate volatility and solubility characteristics relevant to fragrance formulation. It exhibits a boiling point near 254 to 255°C at standard atmospheric pressure and a low vapor pressure of approximately 0.01 mmHg at 25°C, indicating limited volatility at ambient conditions that contributes to prolonged odor substantivity. The compound’s estimated octanol-water partition coefficient (logP) is around 2.385, suggesting moderate lipophilicity conducive to blending with other fragrance ingredients. Oakmoss phenol is soluble in alcohol and water at an estimated 4810 mg/L at 25°C, although reported water solubility is inconsistent and may be limited. The flash point is approximately 275°F (135°C), indicating reasonable thermal stability in formulation processes. These physical and chemical properties influence its persistence, blending behavior, and safety considerations in cosmetic use.

	3-methoxy-5-methylphenol
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	3209-13-0
Pubchem (cid):	76674
Pubchem (sid):	135035388

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:	The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:	Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
CHEMBL:	View
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):	Search
Export Tariff Code:	2909.49.1500
ChemSpider:	View

Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xn - Harmful.
R 22 - Harmful if swallowed. 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)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
oral-rat LD50 1500 mg/kg Due to its typical oakmoss note, Orcinyl 3 reinforces the character of this absolute in all compounds. It can be substituted for oakmoss when used together with Evernyl. It blends very well with chypre, leather,woody and tobacco accords.
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 oakmoss phenol usage levels up to:
	1.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Recommendation for oakmoss phenol flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):3209-13-0

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :76674

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:2

3-methoxy-5-methylphenol

Chemidplus:0003209130