Cedryl Acetate: Properties, Uses & Lab Guide
Cedryl Acetate: Properties, Uses & Lab Guide
Cedryl acetate is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene ester derived from cedar wood alcohol (cedrol) that is widely valued in fragrance research, cosmetic formulation, and chemical ecology studies for its characteristic warm, woody, and amber-like odor profile.
- IUPAC Name
- [(3R,3aS,6S,7R,8aS)-3,6,8,8-tetramethyloctahydro-1H-3a,7-methanoazulen-6-yl] acetate
- CAS Number
- 77-54-3 (mixture of isomers, typical)
- Molecular Formula
- C17H28O2
- Molecular Weight
- 264.40 g/mol
- Appearance
- Colorless to pale yellow liquid or solid
- Odor Profile
- Warm, woody, cedar-like, with amber and musky nuances
- Solubility
- Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, diethyl ether, and common organic solvents
- SKU
- C117681 (Aladdin Scientific)
Chemical Identity and Structure
Cedryl acetate (CAS 77-54-3) is the acetic acid ester of cedrol, a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol found in the essential oil of Cedrus atlantica, Juniperus virginiana, and related coniferous species. Its molecular formula is C17H28O2 with a molecular weight of approximately 264.40 g/mol.
The compound belongs to the cedrane sesquiterpene skeleton, featuring a bicyclic ring system with multiple stereocenters. Commercial grades are typically offered as mixtures of stereoisomers reflecting the natural isomeric distribution present in cedar wood oil. The ester functional group (–OC(O)CH3) confers moderate chemical stability under ambient conditions while contributing to the compound's characteristic volatility and olfactory properties.
Researchers should note that slight variations in optical rotation and isomeric composition may exist between lots and between synthetic versus natural-derived material; verification by GC or NMR is recommended for stereochemically sensitive applications.
Applications in Fragrance and Chemical Research
Cedryl acetate is a commercially significant aroma chemical used extensively by the fragrance industry as a fixative and base-note ingredient in perfumes, colognes, soaps, and cosmetic products. Its persistent woody-amber character provides longevity and depth to fragrance compositions, making it a valued alternative or complement to natural cedar wood oil.
In academic and industrial research settings, cedryl acetate serves multiple roles:
- Fragrance formulation studies: Used as a reference standard and active ingredient to investigate structure–odor relationships in terpenoid chemistry.
- Chemical ecology: Investigated as a component of plant-derived volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in studies of insect–plant interactions and semiochemicals.
- Synthetic chemistry: Serves as a substrate or model compound for esterase activity assays, enzymatic hydrolysis studies, and green chemistry transformations targeting terpene esters.
- Analytical reference: Used as a chromatographic standard in GC-MS profiling of essential oils and fragrance materials.
Its relatively low aqueous solubility requires preparation of stock solutions in compatible organic solvents (ethanol, DMSO, or diethyl ether) for biological assay applications.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Understanding the physicochemical profile of cedryl acetate is essential for safe handling, proper storage, and successful experimental design. Key properties include:
| Property | Value / Description |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C17H28O2 |
| Molecular Weight | 264.40 g/mol |
| Physical State (ambient) | Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid or waxy solid |
| Boiling Point | ~290 °C (estimated; verify with SDS) |
| Flash Point | Typically >100 °C (verify with SDS) |
| Density | ~0.99–1.01 g/mL (verify with SDS) |
| LogP (calculated) | ~4.5 (highly lipophilic; verify) |
| Refractive Index | ~1.485–1.490 (verify with SDS) |
Storage recommendations: Store in a tightly sealed container in a cool (15–25 °C), dry, well-ventilated area away from strong oxidizers, heat sources, and direct sunlight. Under these conditions, the compound is expected to be stable for an extended period. Always consult the product-specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied by Aladdin Scientific for lot-specific purity and handling data.
Safety, Regulatory and Handling Considerations
Cedryl acetate is generally considered to have low acute toxicity in typical research quantities; however, responsible laboratory handling practices must always be followed.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate chemical-resistant gloves (nitrile recommended), safety goggles or face shield, and a laboratory coat when handling. Work in a well-ventilated laboratory or fume hood, particularly when handling heated material or solutions with high vapor concentration.
Regulatory status: Cedryl acetate is listed by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) and is used in compliance with International Fragrance Association (IFRA) guidelines in fragrance applications. Researchers using the compound in consumer product development should consult current IFRA standards for applicable use limits. For laboratory research use, standard chemical safety protocols apply.
Waste disposal: Dispose of waste material in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations. Do not pour down drains. Use appropriate solvent waste containers labeled for halogen-free or halogenated organic waste as appropriate.
First aid: In case of skin or eye contact, flush immediately with copious water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical advice. Consult the full SDS for emergency procedures.
Note: Always obtain and read the current SDS for SKU C117681 before use. The information above is general in nature and does not replace product-specific safety documentation.
Procurement and Quality Specifications
Aladdin Scientific offers cedryl acetate under SKU C117681 for research and laboratory use. When ordering, researchers and procurement teams should consider the following:
- Purity grade: Confirm the purity specification from the product page or Certificate of Analysis (CoA). For analytical reference or high-sensitivity applications, request the highest available purity grade.
- Quantity and pack size: Available in multiple pack sizes to accommodate both small-scale research and larger formulation studies. Contact Aladdin Scientific for bulk pricing inquiries.
- Lot traceability: Each lot is accompanied by a CoA documenting purity (typically by GC), appearance, refractive index, and other QC parameters. Lot-specific CoAs are available upon request.
- Lead time and storage on delivery: Upon receipt, inspect packaging integrity and transfer to appropriate storage conditions (cool, dry, sealed) immediately.
- Custom requirements: For custom purity levels, isotopically labeled variants, or specialized packaging, contact the Aladdin Scientific technical sales team.
Researchers requiring a Safety Data Sheet (SDS), Certificate of Analysis, or technical support for experimental design involving cedryl acetate are encouraged to contact Aladdin Scientific customer service directly.
Frequently asked questions
What is cedryl acetate used for in laboratory research?
Cedryl acetate is used as an analytical reference standard for GC-MS profiling of essential oils, as a substrate in enzymatic hydrolysis and esterase activity studies, and as a model terpene ester in synthetic and green chemistry research. It is also investigated in chemical ecology for its role as a plant-derived volatile compound.
How should cedryl acetate be stored to maintain stability?
Cedryl acetate should be stored in a tightly sealed container at 15–25 °C in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from strong oxidizers, heat, and direct sunlight. Always consult the Aladdin Scientific SDS and CoA for lot-specific recommendations.
Is cedryl acetate soluble in water, and how should stock solutions be prepared?
Cedryl acetate is practically insoluble in water due to its high lipophilicity (estimated logP ~4.5). Stock solutions for biological or analytical assays should be prepared in organic solvents such as ethanol, DMSO, or diethyl ether, followed by dilution into aqueous media where required. Verify solubility limits empirically for your specific application.
What purity grade of cedryl acetate is available from Aladdin Scientific?
Purity specifications for cedryl acetate (SKU C117681) are documented in the product-specific Certificate of Analysis available from Aladdin Scientific. Researchers should request the CoA for the specific lot prior to use, particularly for analytical or quantitative applications requiring verified purity.
Does cedryl acetate require any special safety precautions in the laboratory?
Cedryl acetate exhibits low acute toxicity at typical laboratory quantities but should be handled with standard chemical safety practices. Use nitrile gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat; work in a ventilated area or fume hood. Consult the full SDS for SKU C117681 before use for complete hazard information and emergency procedures.
References
- Bauer K, Garbe D, Surburg H. Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials: Preparation, Properties and Uses. 4th ed. Wiley-VCH; 2001.
- Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM). RIFM Fragrance Ingredient Safety Assessment: Cedryl acetate. RIFM Database.
- International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards. IFRA; current edition.
- National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Cedryl acetate. NIST WebBook, SRD 69.
- Aladdin Scientific. Product Certificate of Analysis and Safety Data Sheet for Cedryl acetate, SKU C117681.
Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.