Musk Ketone CAS# 81-14-1 Product Details
A major synthetic aromatic ingredient, Musk Ketone has the molecular formula C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅ and a molecular weight of 294.303. It is a pale yellow crystalline solid, generally offered in powder or flake form, and is known for its sweet, musk-like odor with animalic nuances that is mellow and long-lasting.
It is insoluble in water and ethanol, but exhibits good solubility in benzyl benzoate, animal oils, and essential oils. Its melting point is 135–139 °C, its density is approximately 1.2 ± 0.1 g/cm³, its boiling point at 760 mmHg is 369.0 ± 42.0 °C, and its flash point is about 153.2 ± 20.7 °C.

Musk ketone Technical Specifications
| Product Name: | Musk ketone |
| Synonyms: | 2-Acetyl-5-tert-butyl-4,6-dinitro-1,3-dimethylbenzene;3',5'-Dinitro-4'-tert-butyl-2',6'-dimethylacetophenone;3, 5-Dinitro-4-t-butyl-2, 6-dimethylacetophenone;Ketone Moschus,4-tert-Butyl-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-dinitroacetophenone, Musk ketone;Musk ketone,4-tert-Butyl-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-dinitroacetophenone, Ketone Moschus;Musk ketone 0;Ketone Moschus >=97.0% (N);1-(4-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-dinitrophenyl)-ethanon |
| CAS: | 81-14-1 |
| MF: | C14H18N2O5 |
| MW: | 294.3 |
| EINECS: | 201-328-9 |
| Product Categories: | PP;KetonesAlphabetic;Analytical Standards;AromaticsAnalytical Standards;Chemical Class;Life Sciences Standards;Aromatic Acetophenones & Derivatives (substituted);M;METI - MZChromatography;Natural Compounds;Natural CompoundsAnalytical Standards;Nitro CompoundsChemical Class;OtherMore...Close...;Cosmetics;Food & Feed ADDITIVES;Organics |
| Mol File: | 81-14-1.mol |
Musk ketone Chemical Properties
| Melting point | 134-137 °C |
| Boiling point | 436.08°C (rough estimate) |
| Density | 1.2051 (rough estimate) |
| Vapor pressure | 0.001Pa at 25℃ |
| Refractive index | 1.5110 (estimate) |
| Fp | 2 °C |
| Storage temp | 2-8°C |
| Solubility | DMSO : 250 mg/mL (849.47 mM; Need ultrasonic) |
| Form | Solid |
| Color | White to off-white |
| Odor | at 10.00 % in benzyl benzoate. fatty musk soapy dry floral powdery |
| Odor Type | musk |
| Biological source | synthetic |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble (<0.1 g/100 mL at 20 ºC) |
| BRN | 2062638 |
| Stability | Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong acids, strong bases. |
| InChIKey | WXCMHFPAUCOJIG-UHFFFAOYSA-N |
| LogP | 4.24 at 25℃ |
| CAS DataBase Reference | 81-14-1(CAS DataBase Reference) |
| NIST Chemistry Reference | 2,6-Dimethyl-3,5-dinitro-4-t-butylacetophenone(81-14-1) |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Musk ketone (81-14-1) |
Product Usage
Musk Ketone finds widespread application as a synthetic fragrance and fixative agent. In the flavor and fragrance industry, it is a common component in many perfume formulations, delivering a characteristic and enduring musk aroma that is especially valued in sweet, oriental, and bold fragrance types.
It is also frequently used in cosmetic products such as perfumes, powders, and creams, where it not only enriches the fragrance profile but also extends the scent's duration on the skin.
While its application in the pharmaceutical field is limited owing to potential toxicity and environmental considerations, pharmacological studies indicate that Musk Ketone can exert stimulatory effects on the central nervous system, respiratory center, and cardiac function. Additionally, it may encourage glandular activity, widen coronary vessels to increase myocardial blood supply, and support overall circulation while helping reduce edema and alleviate pain.



