Musk Xylene (CAS: 81-15-2) is a synthetic nitro musk compound widely recognized for its powerful and persistent musky odor. It was historically one of the most widely used synthetic musk fragrances due to its excellent fixative properties and low cost compared to natural musk. The compound appears as a yellowish crystalline solid and is highly lipophilic, allowing it to blend seamlessly into various oil-based formulations.
As a classic nitro musk, Musk Xylene has been a staple in the fragrance industry for decades. It is valued for its ability to provide a deep, warm, and long-lasting scent profile to a variety of consumer products. While its use has been subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny in certain markets due to environmental persistence, it remains an important reference material and is still utilized in specific industrial and international fragrance applications where its unique olfactory characteristics are required.