Years ago, fragrance chemistry felt a lot less crowded. Today’s specialty chemicals often spring from decades of trial and error, aiming for scent impact or stability. OTBCHA first came up as a kind of answer for perfumers who wanted more from musky, woody notes. Its structure grew out of the 1960s push to build safer, more distinct molecules for use on skin and fabrics. Large industrial labs, looking for molecules that held up to air and light, saw promise in adding a bulky tertiary-butyl group to cyclohexyl rings. The resulting acetate wasn’t a household name, but among chemists and perfumers, it held strong. Over the years, people noticed the molecule outperformed older standards for longevity and got picked up by flavor and fragrance houses hungry for fresh options beyond old standbys like linalool or citronellol.
Ask anyone behind the scenes in fragrance production about acetate esters, and OTBCHA gets mentioned among those built to last. Perfumers and formulators use it because the profile leans woody with a musky undercurrent that doesn’t turn sharp. The acetate is often clear, with a mild aroma when pure, notable for holding that clean woodiness with subtle sweetness. Folklore has it that OTBCHA slips seamlessly into fine fragrances, home scents, even some flavors for chewing gum, thanks to its gentle zing and impressive staying power in formulations.
Most who’ve handled OTBCHA remember its clear or slightly yellowish liquid form, a density sitting close to 0.97 g/cm³, and a boiling point in the ballpark of 270–280°C. The chemical formula, C12H22O2, signals a reasonable molecular weight, which promises easy blending. It’s not all flash, though. OTBCHA won’t dissolve well in water, but it fits in with common alcohol or oil carriers, so labs don’t have to fuss over handling or separation issues. A solid flash point north of 100°C gives an added level of safe handling compared to more volatile compounds.
Chemical warehouses keep a keen eye on purity, usually looking for greater than 97% OTBCHA content by gas chromatography. Labels list batch-specific density, refractive index, and sometimes a spectral fingerprint, so buyers know exactly what’s in the drum. SDS sheets spell out storage conditions, warning against high heat and careless mixing. Detail matters because one off-batch can spoil whole production runs. Some markets require allergen disclosure, given the potential for trace impurities, and a barcode system tracks every unit from synthesis line to fragrance house.
Making OTBCHA centers on classic esterification. Chemists combine ortho-tertiary-butylcyclohexanol and acetic acid, throwing in a catalyst—often sulfuric acid—to speed things along. Water comes out as a byproduct, which the team removes with a separator and mild vacuum. After distillation, organoleptic panels test for aroma and color, then blend it off if it passes. Waste neutralization and solvent recovery keep the process cleaner than it used to be decades ago. Big producers optimize yield, knowing rising acetic acid prices or regulations can throw a wrench in the works.
Besides standard hydrolysis, OTBCHA’s ester group opens doors to several modifications, fueling custom molecules for narrow application fields. Reduction or transesterification routes let chemists swap out functional groups, which creates analogues tailored for specific aroma needs or stability under UV light. Some labs experiment with selective hydrogenation or even use OTBCHA as a building block for more complex molecules meant for top-tier colognes.
Chemists might call it Ortho-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, but product catalogs list names like OTBCHA, 4-tert-Butylcyclohexyl acetate, or sometimes short branding monikers in big flavor houses. Depending on the origin, you’ll see different trade names, all pointing to the signature bulky acetate structure and musky-woody scent note. Suppliers keep track of these synonyms to ensure regulatory compliance across borders, avoiding mislabeling when exporting to the EU or Asia.
Handling OTBCHA might seem routine, but firms push training on PPE, fire control, and spill response. The compound isn’t highly flammable, but protocols stick close to what’s used with most organics: gloves, goggles, and strong ventilation. Workers get yearly safety refreshers, and storage follows best practices—closed containers, far from oxidizers, and always away from open flames. Industry regulations like REACH in the EU and TSCA in the US demand strict tracking and reporting, and most large flavor and fragrance companies audit their supply chain partners on a rolling basis.
The market pulled OTBCHA into perfumery first, driven by a craving for more robust, non-sensitizing fixatives. It soon appeared in personal care products—shampoos, antiperspirants, even household cleaners—because it sticks around without overpowering the blend. Some flavorists, especially in Asia, use it for subtle woods notes in confectionery and beverages. One surprising area of growth comes from scented plastics, where stability at high temperatures gives it the edge over lighter esters that break down under heat.
Academic groups and private labs dig into OTBCHA mainly for two reasons: finding safer, greener production routes and searching for even more tenacious scent profiles. Green chemistry pushes chemists away from old acid catalysts toward enzymatic routes that slash waste and up selectivity. In one recent study, a group managed to double reaction yield using a recyclable solid acid catalyst, cutting down post-synthesis cleanup by over half. At industry conferences, teams from fragrance giants share tweaks to the molecular backbone, experimenting with side groups that nudge the scent toward greener, drier, or spicier territory—all with an eye on staying inside IFRA safety lines and avoiding allergen flags.
OTBCHA’s mild scent doesn’t clash with skin for most people, but repeated exposure studies in the past decade probe for sub-chronic effects, especially dermal irritation. Animal assays flagged negligible irritation at typical use rates, though occupational settings call for gloves and ventilation to dodge rare sensitization. Oral toxicity tests anchored the compound as low-risk in flavors, with high thresholds required to trigger negative effects. Modern risk assessments, using both in vitro and in silico models, track metabolite formation to flag any possible buildup in the body. Large user companies commission third-party labs to recheck each new batch, staying clear of litigation and regulatory backlash.
OTBCHA’s road ahead looks busy, especially with natural resources growing scarce and consumer pressure rising for sustainable, safe ingredients. Green synthesis and renewable acetates could slash its environmental footprint. Brands want unique, persistent scent bases, especially in regions like the Middle East, where longevity carries weight with buyers. Researchers push computational design to find analogues that abandon petrochemical feedstocks and rely on microbial processes. Inside the company walls and university labs, teams keep working on faster, less wasteful routes, pushing OTBCHA and its cousins toward a green, performance-packed future, ready for both the fine fragrance market and industrial-scale freshening products.
Ortho-tertiary-butylcyclohexyl acetate—OTBCHA to those of us who’ve wrangled a chemistry set or two—comes up far less in daily chats than the stuff it quietly stars in: perfumes, shampoos, dish soaps, and body lotions. OTBCHA delivers a crisp, clean scent close to green apples and fresh-cut grass. Many brands turn to this little molecule to freshen up cleaning products without making your kitchen or laundry smell like a laboratory. Consumer brands lean on OTBCHA to take away the harsh edge some surfactants leave behind, putting a gentle apple or leafy twist on just about everything from bathroom spray to fancy hand wash.
Folks usually don’t talk about what goes into a bottle of perfume or air freshener, but the companies putting these products together rely on OTBCHA’s staying power. Plenty of fragrances fade fast—think of cheap colognes that vanish ten minutes out the door—but OTBCHA sticks around. That’s not marketing talk; it’s chemistry. The acetate structure helps the scent hold onto fibers, clothes, and skin. Hospitals, airports, and taxi companies who need cabins and hallways to actually lose that “chemical” note go back to this molecule, among a handful of others, because it lingers without overpowering.
Using any synthetic ingredient opens up a conversation about safety. OTBCHA has seen thorough testing. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), it ranks among the safer synthetic fragrance compounds. If you have allergies, OTBCHA shows a low risk for reactivity, which can’t be said for many popular natural extracts that crowd ingredient lists—think of how many people sneeze around real lavender oil. Research from the European Chemicals Agency also points out it doesn’t build up in the environment in a worrying way, and it breaks down by the time it would stagger out of a wastewater plant. Still, watchdogs want more study on the combined effect of thousands of these chemicals in the water and air, not just each one alone.
Choosing to use OTBCHA rests on a complicated system of trust. Companies hunt for ingredients that keep products shelf-stable and consumers safe. Sometimes, an old favorite gets swapped for a newer, sometimes less-tested molecule just to meet a market trend or a smell-alike demand. Consumers are better off pressuring brands to open up their supply chains and ingredient lists to public viewing. Watchdog groups, scientists, and hobbyists alike push back against companies drifting into secrecy by sharing their own findings and lobbying for laws that make full transparency non-negotiable.
After years in a household with allergies, I’ve learned to check not just the labels, but the ingredient lists of all home products. Scanning for OTBCHA won’t guarantee a totally hypoallergenic home, but it offers one more piece of the puzzle. Anyone who cares about what’s floating around their air vents benefits from deeper awareness of these molecules. Smarter shopping—paired with good ventilation and some real plants around the house—keeps both home and conscience a touch cleaner.
OTBCHA isn’t a chemical you stumble across in daily life, but folks in specialty industries know its reputation. It usually shows up as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, with a subtle yet distinct aroma. Anyone who’s handled solvents will notice how OTBCHA feels slick, heavier than water, and a lot less volatile than classic bases like acetone. Pour it in a beaker, it spreads slow and steady—no wild splashes, almost like thickened oil. Lab storage shelves demand a cool, dry spot for it since light and warmth can invite trouble, eventually affecting stability or purity. Talking about boiling points, OTBCHA holds out longer before turning to vapor compared to standard solvents, making it pretty dependable in applications that need heat resistance.
Density matters when blending chemicals for paints, inks, or advanced coatings. OTBCHA’s density tells you how it’ll mix, settle, or separate with other liquids. The liquid’s immiscibility with water sets off boundaries—think of oil sitting atop soup stock—so rinsing tools with plain tap just won’t do. Proper clean-up calls for powerful solvents, a heads-up for folks dealing with spills or residues. Longevity and reliability in storage rely on tight, light-proof containers, as OTBCHA’s stability starts to fade if exposed carelessly.
Chemically, OTBCHA earns its keep in the fragrance, flavor, and plastics field. Its formal chemical name points to a structure rich in aromatic rings, branching carbon chains, and places where atoms nestle tightly. The molecule itself stays pretty inert around most household materials, but reacts briskly with oxidizing agents—think strong bleach or acids. Mishandling means risky breakdowns or toxic byproducts, so proper protocols can never be taken lightly.
You won’t see folks pouring OTBCHA down the drain. Its low water solubility and resistance to breakdown let it linger in the environment. This persistence has sparked interest and some worry among researchers, especially in areas with heavy chemical industry. Environmental safety calls for focused disposal methods, using incineration or secure containment to keep supply chains both productive and responsible.
OTBCHA finds its way into products that touch lives quietly—in perfumes, polymers, adhesives, and specialty inks. Its slow evaporation rate suits processes that need longer working times, helping workers avoid wasted batches and unpredictable drying. For fragrance makers, the subtle odor has a role in forming scent blends that deliver consistency season after season. Chemists count on OTBCHA’s stable backbone to survive elaborate manufacture steps without breaking down or reacting at the wrong time.
Drawbacks peek through in handling and cleanup. Spills become sticky messes, nearly impossible to wash away with just water. Solvents and protective gear are must-haves for workplaces, and environmental controls set the bar higher every year. Folk tales in the lab tell of ruined shoes, stubborn stains, and how a single mishap can scorch a budget or an eco-profile. Watching over disposal isn’t just a compliance box; it’s a sign of respect for the spaces we share past the factory wall.
Some labs try to lighten their load of OTBCHA by tweaking old recipes or searching out next-gen alternatives. This quest for improvement isn’t easy. Finding drop-in substitutes for performance, cost, and safety still gives researchers a run for their money. Real breakthroughs may come from biobased chemicals or circular pathways that reclaim and reuse past waste.
From lab coats to local communities, every decision about OTBCHA’s future should weigh all the pieces—usefulness, safety, environmental footprint, and the chance for smarter choices. OTBCHA brings plenty to the table, but asking tougher questions today sets everyone up for a healthier, more responsible tomorrow.
OTBCHA, short for o-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, pops up in plenty of fragrances and personal care products. The compound brings a pleasant floral, slightly woody aroma that product developers seem to favor. After seeing OTBCHA on several ingredient lists, I wondered how much time and energy goes into checking whether it's safe to slather on the skin or inhale all day long.
Various safety reviewers, including the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), track OTBCHA closely. Toxicological studies focus on skin irritation, sensitization, and longer-term effects. In most short-term studies, OTBCHA doesn’t cause obvious irritation or sensitization at typical use concentrations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel also checked it out and found no serious red flags, so long as it’s used at low concentrations.
Yet, these studies don’t always paint a complete picture. I worry most about possible effects from daily use over several years. Synthetic fragrances often collect inside our bodies or make their way into groundwater and dust. Sometimes one study pops up showing a risk that lots of previous reviews missed, which makes regular updates and transparency so necessary.
Plenty of folks are sensitive to perfumes, and products with OTBCHA can set off sneezing fits or rashes. I’ve met people who avoid most scented items because even brief contact sends their skin into a flare. While these reactions are rare overall, it highlights the gap between “safe for the general public” and “safe for everyone.” Safety always rides on the details: how much of the chemical is in your product, how often you use it, and whether you already have allergies or asthma.
The European Union set limits on how much OTBCHA can show up in finished products. The United States takes a lighter touch and mostly accepts the self-policing of industry groups like IFRA. Brands respond by reformulating products when new safety guidance appears, though ingredient substitutions sometimes just swap out one under-tested fragrance for another. Real accountability only sticks when regulators, researchers, and customers share data plainly and often.
People don’t always realize that “fragrance” listed in ingredients often hides a dozen or more different compounds including OTBCHA. It takes persistent curiosity from shoppers to discover what’s inside and how much scientific investigation stands behind any safety claims. Choosing fragrance-free products or seeking out full disclosure labels can lower exposure to chemicals like OTBCHA, especially for those with sensitive systems.
Researchers need consistent funding to study the health impacts of long-term low-level fragrance exposure—especially for children and pregnant people. Public health agencies could require manufacturers to disclose more detail about what goes into “fragrance,” so everyone gets a fair shot at informed decisions.
Most products with OTBCHA aren’t toxic by design. Careful scientists and regular regulatory review offer a basic safety net. Still, safety is always a work in progress. If more people ask for ingredient transparency and limit unnecessary fragrance use, the market will likely move toward options that offer both pleasant aromas and peace of mind.
OTBCHA shows up in lab catalogs with a laundry list of complex uses, but safe handling often takes a backseat to experimentation and production. In any setting where OTBCHA gets used, safe storage isn’t just protocol; it protects health, results, and keeps regulatory inspectors satisfied. Experiences working around specialty chemicals taught me that small oversights can spiral into big problems. Leaky containers, for example, have led labs to scramble with cleanup, risking exposure and paying steep disposal fees.
It’s easy to reach for the nearest jar, but OTBCHA calls for more than a casual approach. Keep it in tightly sealed containers, usually glass or high-quality HDPE plastic, labeled with clear hazard signs. OTBCHA can react to moisture, oxygen, strong oxidizers, or acids. I remember a time equipment failed to keep chemicals air-tight — ruined substances and a list of safety violations followed. Using incompatible containers or skipping routine checks never pays off.
Controlled environments make all the difference. Store OTBCHA in cool, dry rooms out of direct sunlight and away from flammable sources. I’ve seen storage rooms overloaded with incompatible chemicals, where one mistake could have cleared the building. A dedicated chemical cabinet, not an office shelf, makes spill response quicker and keeps curious hands away. Keep it at a stable temperature, ideally below room temperature, to slow down any possible decomposition.
Personal protective equipment matters. Gloves, splash goggles, and a lab coat should become instinctive, not optional. I’ve known colleagues who’ll “just pop in” to grab something bare-handed, only to regret a splash or minor spill. Accidental contact with OTBCHA can lead to skin irritation or more serious health effects. Good habits like using a fume hood every time don’t just protect you—they build a workplace culture of responsibility.
Having a written standard operating procedure (SOP) for OTBCHA goes a long way. SOPs should cover everything: receiving shipments, checking for leaks, routine inspections, and cleaning protocols for drips or residues. I’ve drafted my share of SOPs, and what stands out is staff buy-in. People follow clear, realistic steps much more willingly than rules buried in technical language. Regular training, including drills for spills or accidents, makes sure nobody’s caught off guard.
Authorities like OSHA and EPA demand strict compliance, especially with chemicals like OTBCHA. Fines for mishandling or improper disposal sting, but the bigger cost is harm to staff or neighbors. Disposal deserves as much attention as storage; local hazardous waste protocols guide safe, responsible removal. Community health matters—cutting corners here risks harm outside company walls, reflecting poorly on everyone involved.
Storing and handling OTBCHA comes down to respect—for the chemical, for co-workers, and for the community. Every habit, from updating a label to double-checking the cabinet lock, adds up. Personal experience comes packed with stories of caution and lessons learned the hard way. Safe chemical storage shields health, preserves trust, and keeps scientific work on track without drama.
People looking at preservative options for industrial or consumer uses might have come across OTBCHA. This ingredient, known in the chemistry world as o- (or ortho-) tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate, turns up in fragrance blends, plastics, and a bunch of specialty products. Every time I see a question about its use, someone wants to know how much is enough. Too little and it won’t work as planned. Too much and it might spark regulatory headaches or unexpected side effects.
Formulators working in cosmetics or home care generally stick close to the range of 0.05% to 0.3% by weight. People with hands-on lab experience call this a “sweet spot” for several reasons. Higher percentages rarely offer extra performance and start to trigger skin or environmental concerns. At the lower end, numbers below 0.05% don’t pull their weight for blocking microbial growth or keeping the fragrance shelf-stable. A technical report from the European Chemicals Agency says consumer products usually feature less than 0.1% due to safety standards set by regulatory authorities. Household cleaning products and air fresheners sometimes push that up to 0.2% or 0.3% for tougher environments, though only if risk assessments support those figures.
The amount used comes down to a mix of safety, performance, and price. On one side, complaints about skin irritation push companies to look for lower percentages. Multiple patch tests and safety reviews flag irritation risks when the amount climbs. On the other, if the dose drops too far you basically waste your money. Some plants running quality control tests complain that formulas with half the recommended dose frequently fail mold or bacteria checks.
Cost plays a big role, too. Bulk OTBCHA prices can squeeze profit margins if the concentration goes up needlessly. This gets particularly obvious in air care or laundry products, where market competition is aggressive. Companies are always weighing the extra benefit of higher levels against the expense, and usually, the data says that more than 0.3% isn’t buying much extra for the user.
If someone ignores expert recommendations and runs the concentration up past what’s typical, the risks start stacking up fast. A business might see more regulatory red tape in Europe and North America. The EU’s Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) laws list OTBCHA as a substance that can spark skin reactions, especially above certain thresholds. Environmental agencies keep a close watch on everything from aquatic toxicity to breakdown rates. No one wants a shelf recall or online backlash because of overuse of a specialty chemical.
What gives peace of mind? Relying on solid safety data, patch and micro tests, and up-to-date regulatory limits. My advice for anyone running trials with OTBCHA in a new formula: start at the lowest percentage that has worked in published studies you trust. Check your local and global chemical regulations—some places list specific caps just for this molecule. If you’re in a country following EU REACH or the US EPA, their databases give practical benchmarks. Labs often share micro challenge test results or technical sheets showing how much to use for typical outcomes. Don’t forget to factor in the end user—price, skin contact, and environmental safety all matter.
Nearly every industry survey lines up: the most widely accepted level of OTBCHA in finished products stays around 0.05% to 0.2%. If a job or regulation needs extra punch, 0.3% marks the upper end for most situations. Seasoned product development teams rely on safety data, field performance, and compliance records from bodies like the European Chemicals Agency and US Environmental Protection Agency. Safe, cost-effective, and well-documented—those three points should drive any decision on OTBCHA loading.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 4-tert-butylcyclohexyl acetate |
| Other names |
2-(1,1-dimethylethyl)cyclohexyl acetate
OTBCHA Orthotert-butylcyclohexyl acetate |
| Pronunciation | /ˌɔːr.θoʊˌtɜːr.ʃə.riːˌbjuː.tɪl.saɪ.kloʊˈhɛk.sɪl ˈæs.ə.teɪt/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 54464-57-2 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1209286 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:135015 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL3729218 |
| ChemSpider | 21542758 |
| DrugBank | DB16756 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 03b3d057-0270-4b5a-9d77-6b0b0175fc19 |
| EC Number | EC 421-090-1 |
| Gmelin Reference | Gmelin Reference: 82758 |
| KEGG | C22153 |
| MeSH | D000081378 |
| PubChem CID | 124350262 |
| RTECS number | AF4200000 |
| UNII | HZQ9F65P3K |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID1040665 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C12H22O2 |
| Molar mass | 254.40 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Mild, sweet, fruity, herbal |
| Density | 0.952 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble in water |
| log P | 3.74 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.07 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 12.46 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 3.9 |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4790 |
| Viscosity | 9.09 mPa·s at 25°C |
| Dipole moment | 2.76 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 395.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | −706.49 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | –10.10 kJ/g |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D03AX23 |
| 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 | Precautionary statements: **P261**, **P271**, **P280**, **P302+P352**, **P333+P313**, **P362+P364**, **P501** |
| Flash point | > 112°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 385°C |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 (oral, rat): >5000 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (oral, rat): 4300 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | NA8220000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL: Not established |
| REL (Recommended) | 0.1 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Unknown |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Isomers
Cyclohexyl acetate Ortho‑tertiary‑butylcyclohexyl alcohol Para‑tertiary‑butylcyclohexyl acetate |
