The chemical industry never stands still, and 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate represents one of those ingredients that quietly shapes how products smell and function. Back in the second half of the 20th century, as consumer demand for complex fragrances exploded, chemists needed more robust, flexible molecules that wouldn’t break down or react unexpectedly when combined with other ingredients. The hunt for longer-lasting, pleasant-smelling esters brought this acetate into focus. Its synthesis wasn’t born out of a single discovery but evolved as part of the decade-spanning effort to engineer scents and flavors with staying power. Perfume labs, flavor houses, and even some pharmaceuticals began to work it into their formulas, betting on its balance of stability and sensory qualities.
4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate comes from a family of cyclohexane derivatives and lands itself firmly in fragrance formulations across the globe. It features a pleasant, sweet, slightly woody aroma. Producers don’t just see it as another molecule; they see a staple in the toolkit—one that reliably delivers specific notes and extends fragrance lifespans. This compound doesn’t just pop up in luxury perfumes; plenty of mainstream bath, body, and home care products make use of it because it slips seamlessly into both delicate and robust scent blends. The molecule’s popularity reflects its ability to enhance fragrance without overpowering or fading too quickly, striking a chord with both perfumers and end users.
This chemical takes on a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid form at room temperature. Odor-wise, it straddles floral and fruity lines, with some folks picking up dry, woody undertones. Density hovers near 0.96 g/cm³, and the boiling point lands at about 265°C, important benchmarks for storage and blending. Its refractive index centers around 1.466, signaling how it interacts with light in a solution. Given its low vapor pressure, volatilization happens at a slower rate, making it stick around in finished products for the long haul. In my own work with lab samples, I found that it dissolves well in most alcohols, esters, and oils, marking it as versatile for both water-based and oil-based applications.
Suppliers list specifications that include assays above 95% purity and limit other cyclohexyl acetate isomers to guarantee a consistent sensory profile. The CAS number most manufacturers use for regulatory purposes is 32210-23-4. Labels highlight batch numbers, production dates, country of origin, and safety measures, not just for traceability but also for end-user trust. Global shipping regulations demand compliance labels that communicate flammability precautions, albeit this ester stays fairly stable during transit under well-sealed conditions. This attention to transparency supports accountability, a principle that’s driving consumer and industrial purchasing decisions now more than ever.
We typically see 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate produced via acetylation of 4-tert-butylcyclohexanol, using acetic anhydride as the acylating agent. The process happens in acid-catalyzed environments, often under reflux, where temperature control ensures selectivity for the target ester rather than by-products. Later, distillation purifies the acetate, with fractional columns helping separate out impurities. I’ve watched chemists focus on yield optimization, carefully balancing reaction conditions to minimize waste and drive up overall efficiency. In the green chemistry circles, there’s a push toward milder conditions and reusable catalysts—methods that cut down environmental impact without sacrificing purity or sensory quality.
Aside from serving as a stable end product, this acetate works as a starting point for more complex molecules through hydrolysis, transesterification, or selective oxidation. In hydrolysis, you retrieve the parent alcohol under acidic or basic conditions, a useful route in fragrance recycling or molecular tweaking. Chemists interested in branching out—quite literally—also investigate modifications to the tert-butyl or cyclohexyl groups, trying for derivatives with altered volatility or strength. Some exploratory studies even use catalytic hydrogenation to reduce double bonds on the ring, although the commercial incentive for these tweaks remains pretty limited unless a novel fragrance profile justifies the step. In practice, the molecule’s core stability and resistance to base- or acid-catalyzed decomposition keep it relevant in challenging formulation scenarios.
On the shelves of chemical suppliers and catalogs, you might find this compound under monikers like 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl ethanoate, Acetic acid 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl ester, or Acetoxy-4-tert-butylcyclohexane. Commercial fragrance and flavor houses sometimes assign proprietary trade names, streamlining internal inventory without confusing regulatory documentation. These aliases reflect the many paths chemists take in naming conventions, often splitting along IUPAC, CAS, and marketing preferences. Keeping an eye on synonyms becomes critical when negotiating global supply chains, reducing confusion in regulatory filings and quality assurance paperwork.
Long-term exposure studies point toward a low level of acute toxicity, but standard practice dictates use of gloves, eye protection, and local exhaust ventilation during handling. It can serve as a mild irritant to the eyes or skin on repeated contact, which most labs address with training and material safety data sheets at hand. Regulatory bodies like REACH in Europe and OSHA in the United States require clear documentation of both hazards and first-aid steps on every shipment. Fire safety gets some attention given its flammability, but standard chemical storage away from heat sources addresses this risk. Workplaces that prioritize transparent reporting, regular risk assessments, and on-the-floor employee training experience fewer incidents and bolster overall safety culture.
Perfumery dominates the application landscape, with this acetate featuring as a key component in luxury scents, air fresheners, and everyday personal care products. Major producers of fabric softeners, shampoos, and surface cleaners rely on its ability to lock in fragrance and add sophisticated top or middle notes without overwhelming the overall blend. My own experience watching fragrance chemists blend test batches underscored how this compound plays nicely with other esters, musks, and aldehydes—letting creative perfumers expand their palettes. Beyond the world of scent, researchers are probing its role in flavor enhancement, taking advantage of its mild fruity nuance. While use in food remains heavily regulated due to ingestion concerns, the doors for non-food aroma and flavor improvements look wide open.
Teams in both industrial and academic settings keep combing through derivatives and alternative synthesis routes. Some focus on process intensification, aiming to shrink environmental footprints by lowering waste, energy, and solvent needs. Others look to biosynthetic methods, crafting the core cyclohexanol precursor via engineered enzymes. This biotechnological angle holds promise for sustainable fragrance chemistry—especially as supply shocks and fossil-based chemical costs keep climbing. Sensory scientists also dive into structure-activity relationships, mapping out how minor tweaks change aroma profiles, persistence, and consumer response. These findings trickle back into the lab, driving iterative improvements not just in supply chains but in the daily routines of perfumers and product developers.
Available animal studies indicate limited acute oral and dermal toxicity, positioning this acetate as a low-hazard ingredient for topical and inhalation exposure under controlled, recommended usage levels. The data pool covers skin and eye irritation, sensitization, and basic mutagenicity screens—none of which have flagged major risks at doses typical for consumer product use. Regulatory reviews still urge caution, especially given the lack of long-term epidemiological data. Sensible guidance calls for product formulations to limit total concentration in finished goods, supported by robust labeling and transparent consumer communication. As ingredient transparency moves higher on public agendas, companies are finding that open sharing of safety data fosters confidence and brand trust.
Demand for complex, lasting fragrances shows no signs of fading, and 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate sits at the intersection of tradition and innovation. Sustainable synthesis routes, including biocatalysis and renewable feedstocks, are making waves, and companies willing to invest in greener processes stand to win over both regulators and ethically minded consumers. Enhanced analytics, such as high-throughput testing for aroma longevity or environmental fate, will sharpen quality standards across the board. At the same time, ongoing advances in toxicity screening allow for more refined risk assessments, meaning product safety can improve even as performance scales up. With fresh research drawing new connections between molecular structure, environmental impact, and consumer preference, this old workhorse of the fragrance world may gain a few new tricks in the coming years.
Step into any department store, open a bottle of perfume, and odds are you’ll catch a trace of 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate. This chemical isn’t a household name, but it slides into daily life with surprising ease. It gives personal care products their fresh, lasting scent. From body lotion and deodorants to soaps and shampoos, this compound does heavy lifting as a fragrance ingredient.
Chemists reach for 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate because it mimics the subtle, clean notes of fresh-cut greenery or citrus. It also supports floral and amber scents, smoothing them out and helping them last on skin. That kind of staying power matters. You want the same clean, pleasant note throughout the day, not just after the first spray.
Each time I crack open a new moisturizer, I check the ingredient list. Scent matters to me almost as much as efficacy. Many cosmetics companies use 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate since it holds up well to heat and sunlight. This keeps the scent profile true, even if your bottle spends all summer in a steamy bathroom.
Market data shows that the fragrance industry earned over 33 billion dollars worldwide in 2023. Stability and the ability to blend with hundreds of other molecules give chemicals like 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate a practical edge. Major manufacturers often select this compound to ensure their products deliver the same scent experience every single time.
Personal care isn’t the only area that counts on this ingredient. Home cleaning products, laundry detergents, and air fresheners often list 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate. No one wants a house that smells like harsh chemicals. This molecule brings a clean, floral touch that covers up less pleasant odors. Even certain scented candles and car air fresheners rely on it for that inviting, long-lasting fragrance that says “home.”
As someone sensitive to overpowering smells, I appreciate the work that goes into crafting a balanced product. The right mixture can uplift your mood, relax the mind, or just make a space feel cared for. 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate helps achieve that effect without overwhelming your senses.
Safety is always on my mind with chemicals in daily products. Regulatory bodies across the US, Europe, and Asia have reviewed the data on 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate. Research has shown low toxicity and very little chance of skin irritation in usual concentrations. Authorities such as the International Fragrance Association set clear usage limits after careful study. Companies follow these standards, aiming to avoid allergic reactions and protect sensitive skin.
Still, nothing’s perfect. As interest in natural and hypoallergenic formulas grows, consumers expect more answers about what’s in the bottle. Some people with fragrance sensitivities can react to this compound, just as they might with any synthetic scent. I’ve spoken to dermatologists advising patch tests and reading labels closely, especially for those with allergies.
The demand for clear information about chemicals like 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate isn’t slowing down. Companies that publish ingredient sources and safety data give peace of mind. New research explores natural alternatives and greener synthesis routes, responding to both environmental and health concerns. Experts believe that synthetic fragrance molecules will stick around, but they must coexist with consumer calls for transparency and safety.
Every day millions of people apply lotions, perfumes, and creams that rely on synthetic compounds for scent, texture, or stability. One ingredient showing up across popular perfumes and skin creams is 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate. It delivers a scent some describe as fresh, clean, or reminiscent of nature, making it a favorite among perfumers aiming for a crisp, modern vibe. Still, the growing demand for safer beauty products means people pay more attention to what’s actually inside those bottles.
Regulatory bodies like the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) track compounds like this. IFRA keeps a close eye on fragrance ingredients, setting guidelines after reviewing scientific evidence. Studies reviewed by these groups report the acetate doesn’t trigger skin allergies in most people. During patch tests, only rare reactions pop up, usually tied to people with extra-sensitive skin or strong allergies.
The European Commission has set rules for thousands of ingredients, including this one. After combing through safety data, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate gives little reason for concern at the concentrations seen in personal care items. So far, large-scale recalls related to this ingredient haven’t surfaced, and product makers tend to follow limits set by these authorities.
Personal skepticism isn’t just hype—rumors about the dangers of “unpronounceable” chemicals get started because hiding inside the term ‘fragrance’ on labels, dozens of different substances can show up. Families worry about allergies, hormone disruption, or even cancer, based on stories or previous scandals in the beauty world. The science community knows that not every synthetic used in fragrances causes trouble. Still, past mistakes by brands using poorly tested chemicals have fueled a trust gap.
The safety track record for 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate offers some peace of mind, but safety data always leaves small gaps. Long-term exposure studies on real-world use happen less often. The more people use products over decades, the more subtle risks could show up. With rising diagnoses of skin sensitivity and fragrance allergies, doctors and consumer advocates call for better transparency and easier access to full ingredient lists.
No one wants to spend money on something that hurts their skin or long-term health. The smartest move sits in reading ingredients, checking for recognized allergen lists, and paying attention to how your own body reacts. The push for “clean beauty” has given shoppers more power to find out what’s in their products. Online databases from independent groups and research journals let you see summaries of health data for thousands of chemicals—though the science can get heavy fast.
If you find yourself reacting to products with complex fragrance blends, switching to options labeled “fragrance-free” or those using only a handful of essential oils often helps. Still, even natural scents can cause rashes or irritation in some people. Nothing beats honest testing on your own skin and a quick talk with a dermatologist if rashes or irritation become a pattern.
Ingredient safety shouldn’t remain a mystery for buyers, and regulators need to keep pushing companies to share what they use. Most people using cosmetics with 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate experience no issues, but the door always stays open for new research and stricter limits if long-term data gives new answers. Deciding what feels safe often means mixing available science, personal history, and a dose of common sense before spraying or slathering anything new.
Names in chemistry often sound like tongue-twisters, but 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate spells out a pretty clear picture for anyone who’s ever peeked inside a textbook. This molecule, valued in perfumery and product fragrance, comes down to a simple formula: C14H26O2. The structure pairs an acetate group with a cyclohexane ring substituted at the fourth carbon position with a tert-butyl group. For anyone who has mixed esters in an undergraduate lab, the concept stays familiar but the application gets far more interesting.
C14H26O2 tells much about its personality. Its backbone lies in cyclohexane, a six-carbon ring known for its stability and broad use as a base in both synthetic and natural compounds. Tack on a tert-butyl group at position four, and the structure bulks up, changing the way it interacts with other molecules. This branched group shields part of the molecule, creating a specific shape and flexibility that affects everything from how it sits on the skin to its odor profile.
The acetate half adds something extra: a characteristic crispness and volatility. In my experience, during a stint in a cosmetic fabrication lab, the smell alone sets it apart—clean, woody, and fresh. You get a sense of how the formula empowers perfumers to create a complex yet approachable background note, letting lighter and heavier elements play on top. Many times, colleagues would huddle around a petri dish, testing diluted samples, tweaking formulas. The base molecule always held its own, thanks to that mix of stability from the ring and brightness from the acetate.
Consumers run into 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate daily without a second thought: detergents, cosmetics, fabric softeners, soaps. The formula's bulkiness makes it last on a surface far longer than many simple esters. In perfumery, this trait carries significant economic and practical benefits, letting a scent linger and supporting more expensive ingredients. Studies published in fragrance journals, such as those by the International Fragrance Association, support its safety and effectiveness as a component in scented products.
The industry faces increasing scrutiny around synthetic fragrance molecules. Environmental groups and regulatory agencies ask hard questions: Does C14H26O2 pose issues for waste water treatment? Could skin sensitivity crop up for certain users? My own time working with ingredient disclosure policies taught me that transparency helps. Full disclosure of ingredients, even ones with strong safety records, builds trust and lets sensitive individuals or those concerned about allergies make informed choices.
Old-school production methods leaned heavily on petrochemicals. More sustainable routes can use bio-based cyclohexanol as a starting point, converting it through cleaner processes. Sharing these advances with regulators and customers helps build a sturdy reputation, a lesson companies learned only after consumers grew wary of unknown “synthetic” ingredients.
Understanding the formula of 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate, both its structure and source, lets professionals across perfumery, cosmetics, and environmental health make smarter choices. Each atom tells a part of the story—the balance between stability and brightness, the trade-off between endurance and volatility, the moral equation between performance and safety. Facts, open dialogue, and a willingness to explore alternatives shape the future for molecules with long, twisted names and far-reaching impacts.
4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate comes packed with big uses in fragrances and flavorings. Sometimes it turns up in a bottle with a fancy chemical label, but whether in a bustling fragrance plant or on a shelf in a high school lab, basic rules keep it safe and stable. Most of us aren’t handling this chemical in tons, but small mistakes can add up, no matter the scale.
Over the years, I’ve watched more than one batch of chemicals turn useless—or risky—just because they sat next to a window. Heat and sunlight do more harm than people realize. Since this acetate can start to break down with increased temperature or too much exposure to light, keep it tucked in a cool, shaded spot. A cabinet away from direct sun, inside a well-ventilated storage room, beats countertop convenience every time.
Many folks think a loose cap is no big deal. In reality, even a tiny gap invites evaporation and contamination. The distinctive scent of 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate might end up spreading everywhere, making your workspace a fragrance counter. I always triple-check that container lids are tightly screwed, not just for safety but to protect purity. This matters with all chemicals, but with organics like this one, it becomes even bigger. Oxygen, humidity, and wandering odors are best kept out.
Water can wreck all sorts of chemicals, especially organic acetates. Pouring liquid from one container to another in a cluttered space raises the odds of a spill or splash. Moisture won’t always cause an instant reaction, but over days or weeks, it can bring cloudiness, foul smells, or even the slow start of breakdown. Desiccators or silica gel packs give peace of mind, especially if you live or work in a humid region. A dry storage cabinet goes beyond luxury—it’s a smart investment.
In shared storage areas, smells blend fast. A cabinet with ventilation pulls problem fumes away and keeps you from noticing that tell-tale sweet scent where you shouldn’t. Without proper air flow, you could be breathing low levels of chemicals long-term without realizing it. For those with allergies or asthma, this compounds quickly. Simple fixes—like a fan, or storing the bottle in a fume hood—improve both air quality and storage safety.
In a busy workroom, it’s easy to grab the wrong bottle or forget a date. I learned early to slap a bold label with the chemical’s name, date of receipt, and, if possible, an expiry date. These details save time and money, dodge mistakes, and help you spot a declining bottle before it causes headaches—literally and figuratively.
Chemicals like 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate aren’t dangerous by nature, but careless storage stacks up trouble. With a little extra effort—cool, shaded cabinet, tight lids, dry conditions, and solid routine labeling—you end up saving resources and time. Most importantly, you keep accidents rare and problems small. The best setups don’t need to cost a fortune; old lessons, not expensive gear, make the difference.
Anyone who has spent time reading the back of a bottle of perfume or a fancy-smelling cleaning spray may spot names that belong in a chemistry textbook. One that pops up now and then is 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate. Companies drop it in scented products because of its ability to deliver that fresh, crisp, and slightly woody smell. Walk into any drugstore, and you catch a whiff of this chemical before you even know it — in deodorants, laundry detergents, body lotions, and more. But if your skin gets angry or your nose tickles after trying out that new body wash, it’s fair to wonder: What exactly happens inside your body when you meet this stuff?
Looking through published studies and safety data, 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate doesn’t appear at the top of lists of notorious allergens. It doesn’t come with the same baggage as fragrances like citral, eugenol, or hydroxycitronellal, which dermatologists discuss all the time. Still, keep in mind that no one can promise zero risk. If you stick your nose in industry safety assessments and patch test data, the answer floats to the surface — some people may still get limits pushed. In practice, most reactions look like mild redness or an itching patch — what the field calls contact dermatitis. Cases rarely get serious; they tend to show up in people already prone to sensitive skin, especially those dealing with eczema, rosacea, or big-time fragrance allergies.
The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety studied it a few years back. They didn’t find evidence dangerous enough to set strict bans, but European regulation still expects companies to report and monitor allergic cases. Some countries now require that products with certain fragrance chemicals, including 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate, be labeled clearly, so shoppers know what’s inside. Flip over the packaging and you’ll see the term ‘fragrance’ — and that’s where this chemical hides. If you already know you break out or sneeze because of perfumes, make friends with ingredient labels and look for fragrance-free choices.
I get why folks care about this stuff. A friend of mine struggled with unexplained itching for months before discovering she couldn’t handle synthetic fragrances. Most people skate by with no issues, but some can’t ignore the flush, the bumps, or the discomfort. Over time, I learned to appreciate just how many folks have different triggers, and how one simple word — “fragrance” — can mean hundreds of chemicals. The real risk depends a lot on your own body, your skin’s tolerance, and your everyday environment.
Companies have a job to make safe products, but shoppers need clear labeling and open data to make their own calls. The solution rarely means banning every chemical that draws a side-eye. Instead, strict patch testing, long-term health tracking, and public access to ingredient risks work better for real-life safety. Europe’s system for reporting adverse effects helps regulators spot trends early, making it easier to update safety guidelines before small problems become big ones.
At home, I always point out that knowing your skin — and your reaction history — pays off. Contact your dermatologist if rashes or discomfort from scented products keep coming back. Ask questions about which fragrance types best fit your sensitivity. Life gets easier when you pick unscented or hypoallergenic versions, especially for daily products like lotions and deodorants. Being picky with what you buy feels a lot better than gambling with your skin’s comfort.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl ethanoate |
| Other names |
Acetic acid, 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl ester
Acetic acid 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl ester Acetate de 4-tert-butylcyclohexyle Cyclohexanol, 4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-, acetate 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate Hexestrol acetate |
| Pronunciation | /ˌfɔːr tɜːrt ˈbjuːtɪl saɪkloʊˈhɛksɪl ˈæsɪteɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 32210-23-4 |
| Beilstein Reference | 2454306 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:77955 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2233425 |
| ChemSpider | 16211122 |
| DrugBank | DB14197 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 17e326b5-b512-4810-ac06-76077eabe6cf |
| EC Number | 247-760-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | 102198 |
| KEGG | C22299 |
| MeSH | D000927 |
| PubChem CID | 12422569 |
| RTECS number | AU8225000 |
| UNII | F63L780320 |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID7036796 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C12H22O2 |
| Molar mass | 198.31 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
| Odor | Woody, floral, sweet, herbal |
| Density | 0.940 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | insoluble |
| log P | 3.95 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0011 mmHg at 25 °C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 12.3 |
| Basicity (pKb) | pKb: 8.0 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -6.41×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | nD 1.452 |
| Viscosity | 83 mPa·s (20 °C) |
| Dipole moment | 2.44 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 395.7 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -589.9 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -7136.7 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | NA |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS07, GHS09 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| Precautionary statements | P261, P273, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | Flash point: 110°C |
| Autoignition temperature | Autoignition temperature: 355°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD₅₀ (oral, rat): >5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | Oral rat LD50: 3900 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | BOY3030000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 10 mg/m³ |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
4-tert-Butylcyclohexanol
Cyclohexyl acetate 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl propionate 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl butyrate 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl isobutyrate 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl methyl ether |
