Product Details
Musk Ketone is a key synthetic fragrant compound with the molecular formula C₁₄H₁₈N₂O₅ and a molecular weight of 294.303. It presents as pale yellow crystalline solids, usually in powder or flake form, and is distinguished by a sweet, animalic musk scent that is gentle and long-lasting.
Musk Ketone shows no solubility in water or ethanol, yet dissolves easily in benzyl benzoate, animal oils, and essential oils. It has a melting point of 135–139 °C, a density of roughly 1.2 ± 0.1 g/cm³, and a boiling point of 369.0 ± 42.0 °C at 760 mmHg. The flash point of this compound is 153.2 ± 20.7 °C.

Musk ketone Chemical Properties
| 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 |
| 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 is extensively employed as a key synthetic fragrance and scent fixative. In the flavor and fragrance industry, it is commonly incorporated into the formulation of various fragrance combinations, endowing products with a unique and long-lasting musky aroma—especially suitable for sweet, oriental, and heavy fragrance categories.
In the cosmetics industry, it is often added to perfumes, powders, creams, and related products. It not only enriches the overall fragrance notes but also prolongs the scent’s retention on the skin.
Furthermore, while its application in the pharmaceutical field is restricted due to potential toxicity and environmental considerations, pharmacological research demonstrates that it can stimulate the central nervous system, respiratory center, and cardiac function. It may also boost glandular secretion, dilate coronary arteries to enhance coronary blood flow, and help improve blood circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain.


