Musk Xylol

Musk xylene especially from the early 20th century through the 1990s. It has a strong, sweet, musky odor.

Chemical Information

• IUPAC name: 1-tert-Butyl-3,5-dimethyl-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene

• Chemical formula: C₁₂H₁₅N₃O₆

• Appearance: Pale-yellow crystalline solid

• Odor: Warm, sweet, musky

Properties

• Low volatility, which makes its scent long-lasting.

• Persistent in the environment due to slow degradation.

• Lipophilic (accumulates in fatty tissues).

  Physical & Chemical Properties

  • Appearance: Pale-yellow crystalline solid

  • Odor: Strong, sweet, persistent musky scent

  • Melting point: 112–114 °C

  • Boiling point: Decomposes before boiling

  • Vapor pressure: Very low (≈ 1 × 10⁻⁶ mmHg at 20 °C)

  • Density: ~1.48 g/cm³

  • Solubility:

    • Water: extremely low (≈ 0.01 mg/L)

    • Organic solvents: soluble in ethanol, oils, and non-polar solvents

  • Log Kₒw (octanol/water): ~4.3–4.9 (high lipophilicity)

  • Stability: Stable under normal conditions; resistant to biodegradation; photodegrades slowly.

Uses

Historically used in:

• Perfumes and colognes

• Toiletries (lotions, deodorants, powders)

• Household cleaning products

• Laundry detergents and fabric softeners

Because of environmental persistence and concerns about bioaccumulation, its use has significantly declined.