Methylcyclopentadecenone

Chemical properties

The main constituents are (Z)- and (E′)-3-methylcyclopentadec-5-en-1-one. Colorless to light yellow liquid with a powerful, elegantmusk note reminiscent of nitromusks with a natural animalic undertone. It is recommended for use in perfume oils for a wide range of applications, for example, for fine fragrances, for perfuming beauty and fabric care products, and for perfuming cleaners.
3-Methylcyclopentadecenone is produced by rearrangement of 14-methyl- 16-oxabicyclo[10.3.1]hexadec-1(15)-ene catalyzed by phosphoric acid.
The starting material is obtained by a multistep process starting from cyclododecanone.

The Uses of Methylcyclopentadecenone

This unsaturated ketone, which yields dl-Muscone upon hydrogenation, has been suggested as a modifier for the related ketones and lactones. It is equally expensive to prepare, and not as natural-musky in its character when compared to l-Muscone.

Flammability and Explosibility

Not classified

Trade name

Muscenone® (Firmenich)

Synthesis

Methylcyclopentadecenone is prepared by cyclization of 2,15 -Diketohexadecane with N-Methylaniline Magnesium bromide reagent.