Product Description of Musk Ketone CAS#81-14-1
Musk Ketone is a widely used synthetic musk compound with the molecular formula C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅ and a molecular weight of 294.30. It appears as pale yellow crystals, flakes, or powder and is recognized for its distinctive sweet, warm, and long-lasting musk odor.
The compound is insoluble in water and ethanol but dissolves well in benzyl benzoate, animal oils, and essential oils, making it highly suitable for fragrance applications. Musk Ketone has a melting point of approximately 135–139°C, a density of about 1.2 g/cm³, and demonstrates good thermal stability during processing.
Due to its excellent aroma characteristics and compatibility with other fragrance materials, Musk Ketone is commonly applied in perfumes, cosmetics, personal care products, and fragrance formulations to provide a lasting and elegant musk note.

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 Application of Musk Ketone CAS#81-14-1
Musk Ketone is a widely utilized synthetic musk fragrance ingredient and fixative in the fragrance industry. Due to its warm, sweet, and persistent musk aroma, it is commonly added to various fragrance compositions, especially in oriental, sweet, and rich perfume formulations, where it enhances fragrance depth and improves scent longevity.
In the cosmetics and personal care industry, Musk Ketone is frequently used in products such as perfumes, powders, creams, and other scented formulations. It helps create a smooth and elegant fragrance profile while improving the lasting performance of the final product.
Beyond its fragrance applications, Musk Ketone has also been investigated in pharmacological research. Studies have explored its potential effects on the central nervous system, respiratory system, and cardiovascular functions. Research suggests that it may influence physiological activities such as glandular secretion, coronary circulation, blood flow regulation, and inflammatory response, providing additional value for scientific studies.
With its distinctive aroma, excellent fixative properties, and broad formulation compatibility, Musk Ketone remains an important ingredient in fragrance, cosmetic, and related research applications.

