Dihydromyrcenol
2,6-Dimethyloct-7-en-2-ol · DHM · CAS 18479-58-8
Nayi taazgi ki khushbu (نئی تازگی کی خوشبو) — the molecule of modern masculine freshness. From Drakkar Noir (1982) to Cool Water (1988), DHM defined the olfactory language of clean, citrus-lime freshness. IFRA-unrestricted, pine-derived, halal, and the world's highest-volume synthetic fragrance material. The complete scientific, olfactory, and Pakistani formulation reference.
18479-58-8
ppb
Restrict.
At a Glance
InChI Key: DOUMFZQKYFQNTF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Log P ~3.5 — moderately lipophilic
GC Purity: ≥98% (fragrance grade)
The Molecule of New Freshness
Dihydromyrcenol is the molecule behind the scent of clean — the invisible chemical signature that characterises modern masculine colognes, commercial soap bars, premium laundry detergents, and the "just-showered" freshness consumers worldwide associate with hygiene, confidence, and contemporary grooming. Discovered in the late 1950s, commercialised through IFF in the early 1970s, and rocketed to global ubiquity by landmark fragrances like Drakkar Noir (1982) and Cool Water (1988), DHM fundamentally shaped how the world understands fresh masculine scent. Production exceeds 1,000 metric tons per year, making it a genuine commodity-scale material — yet its olfactory power remains remarkable: a small percentage in any compound dramatically transforms the overall freshness impression.
For Pakistan's rapidly expanding fragrance and personal care industry, DHM represents an exceptional opportunity. Urban consumers in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Faisalabad have embraced the "clean masculine" aesthetic pioneered by DHM-rich international fragrances, driven by inspired-by cologne culture that seeks to recreate international freshness at accessible price points. DHM is the single most important raw material for achieving this aesthetic authentically. At 5–20% in a fougere compound it defines the opening; at 3–5% it lifts an oriental attar into modernity; at 0.5–2% it is invisible as itself but makes surrounding materials fresher. This versatility — from mass-market soap to artisan attar — is matched only by its extraordinary safety profile and IFRA-unrestricted status. DHM also resonates with Islamic grooming culture (tahara — طهارہ, ritual purity), embedding it naturally in Pakistan's fragrance identity.
Bio Shop™ Pakistan stocks Dihydromyrcenol at fragrance grade ≥98% GC purity — the same specification used by international fragrance houses. Clear colourless to pale yellow slightly viscous liquid; fully miscible in DPG and alcohol. Typical use: 5–20% in fougere/fresh compound; 2–10% in attar compound; 2–8% in personal care. Use pure (≥1% in compound); prepare 10% DPG dilution for trace brightener applications. GC certificate of analysis and IFRA 51st Amendment compliance documentation available with each batch. Visit bioshop.pk/products/dhm-dihydromyrcenol for current stock and pricing.
Chemical Identification
Four Commercial Grades
DHM is available in several grades serving distinct applications. Understanding grade differences is essential for Pakistani formulators. Fragrance grade (≥98% GC) is the professional standard and the grade stocked by Bio Shop™ Pakistan. Industrial grade serves soap and detergent; adulterated material from Pakistan's grey market is a persistent risk that can be detected by simple refractive index testing.
Concentration Behaviour
DHM exhibits a near-linear dose-response: doubling the concentration roughly doubles the perceived freshness intensity, making it one of the most predictable and controllable aroma chemicals in the palette. With an odour threshold of 5–50 ppb, DHM must be used at meaningful levels to achieve its full fresh character — typically 2–20% in fine fragrance compounds. It behaves very differently at different concentrations, from an invisible brightening modifier at 0.5–1% to an absolute dominant character at 15–20%.
Olfactory Evolution
Three Complete Formulas
Three production-ready formulas from the Bio Shop™ Pakistan reference document — exact weights, exact percentages. All ingredients available at bioshop.pk. Formula 1 is a DPG attar (no alcohol — halal for all markets). Formula 2 is a fresh fougere EDP compound using Perfume Premix as the sole alcohol base. Formula 3 is a men's body wash finished product.
Classic Pairings
DHM is chemically compatible with virtually all standard fragrance materials and exhibits powerful synergistic interactions with several key partners. The following represent the most commercially validated combinations for Pakistani formulation, confirmed from the reference document. Ratios shown as compound percentages.
DHM vs. Alternatives
IFRA & Safety Overview
IFRA 51st Amendment — No Restriction
Dihydromyrcenol (CAS 18479-58-8) is NOT restricted, prohibited, or subject to specific category limits under the IFRA 51st Amendment (published June 2023). It does not appear on the IFRA Restriction, Prohibition, or Specification list. Pakistani perfumers may use DHM freely at any technically appropriate level across all 12 IFRA product categories — including fine fragrance, attar, EDP, EDT, personal care, soap, home fragrance, and detergent — subject only to Good Manufacturing Practice. RIFM assessment confirms no dermal sensitisation concern and no reproductive toxicity concern at industry use levels.
EU Allergen Status — NOT Listed (Formulation Advantage)
DHM is NOT listed under EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III as a mandatory declarable fragrance allergen. This is a significant formulation and regulatory advantage for Pakistani manufacturers exporting to EU markets — unlike Linalool, Geraniol, Citronellol, or Hexyl Cinnamal (which all require declaration above 0.001% leave-on), DHM requires no separate allergen label declaration under current EU regulation. DHM is not classified as a skin sensitiser at conventional usage levels. Monitor EU regulatory updates; consult IFRA or an EU regulatory consultant for export product portfolios.
Pakistan DRAP & Halal — Fully Compliant
No current restriction under Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) cosmetics guidelines. Pakistani formulators selling domestically may use DHM freely within IFRA limits. Halal status is confirmed: commercial DHM is produced entirely from pine forest turpentine (alpha/beta-pinene → cis-pinane → citronellene → DHM) via inorganic acid-catalysed routes (HCl, HCOOH, H₂SO₄). No animal-origin materials, no ethanol solvent, no fermentation at any stage. The synthesis pathways are aqueous or anhydrous mineral chemistry — fully plant-to-synthetic. Islamic scholars in Malaysia, Gulf states, and Pakistan have generally ruled synthetic aroma chemicals from plant-origin raw materials as permissible (halal) for cosmetic and fragrance use.
Human Safety Profile — Excellent
Acute oral LD₅₀ in rats >5,000 mg/kg — classified as practically non-toxic by ingestion. Acute dermal LD₅₀ >5,000 mg/kg — practically non-toxic dermally. No evidence of carcinogenicity in available data. Reproductive toxicity evaluation in pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats showed no developmental toxicity at fragrance use levels. Not classified as SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) under REACH. CIR Expert Panel recognises DHM as safe for cosmetic use. Mild eye irritant at undiluted levels — avoid direct eye contact. Handle in ventilated workspace; nitrile gloves recommended for neat liquid.
Environmental — Biodegrades Readily
DHM biodegrades readily in the environment and is not expected to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms or soil. RIFM environmental assessment does not flag DHM as a significant aquatic risk at typical consumer product usage levels. The terminal alkene undergoes oxidative degradation under environmental conditions, producing innocuous breakdown products. Formulators of high-concentration rinse-off products (laundry detergent, body wash) in Karachi or Lahore should note that responsible waste concentrate disposal (dilute before drain disposal) is good practice, though environmental risk at consumer product levels is low. DHM from pine forest raw materials also carries strong sustainability credentials.
Handling, Stability & Storage Precautions
The terminal alkene at C-7 is the primary reactivity site: susceptible to autoxidation by atmospheric oxygen (forming hydroperoxides that can sensitise skin and generate metallic off-notes), to polymerisation at elevated temperature under acid conditions, and to hydrolysis of any residual formate content in humid environments. Early degradation signs: viscosity increase (polymerisation), colour darkening to yellow-amber, rising acid value >1.0 mg KOH/g. Mitigate by sealed amber glass or opaque HDPE storage, minimal headspace, BHT antioxidant addition (0.01–0.05%), and refrigeration during Pakistan summers. Flash point 76°C — combustible liquid; avoid open flame during handling.
Storing in Pakistan's Climate
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dihydromyrcenol halal? What is its exact synthesis origin?
How do I verify DHM purity when purchasing in Pakistan?
How should I store DHM in Pakistan's hot and humid climate?
What is the correct usage percentage? When should I use pure DHM vs. a 10% DPG dilution?
Should I use synthetic DHM or seek natural alternatives?
Do EU allergen regulations restrict DHM? What about export to European markets?
Which Pakistani consumer segments respond best to DHM-forward fragrances?
What Urdu names work for DHM fragrances? How does it perform in Pakistan's summer heat?
Dive Deeper — Read the Complete Guide
Everything on this page and substantially more — complete multi-step synthesis mechanism from pine turpentine through cis-pinane to DHM with reaction diagrams, detailed structure-odour relationship analysis (tertiary alcohol vs. primary, terminal alkene role, chiral centre), RIFM safety assessment data tables, landmark fragrance history (Drakkar Noir 1982 through Cool Water 1988 and CK One 1994) with Pierre Wargnye and Pierre Bourdon commentary, natural occurrence data across Barosma venusta and hop oil, concentration-dependent character table across six usage levels, detailed Pakistan climate stability testing protocol (Karachi humidity vs. Lahore heat management), antimicrobial and fixative chemistry of DHM, advanced blending strategy guide covering the "Star / Supporting Actor / Brightener" role framework, three complete named formulas (Nayi Subah attar, Azaad Mard EDP, Taaza Baadan body wash), and a comprehensive glossary of 18 key aroma chemical and fragrance terms — all compiled in one professional reference document.
