5-tert-Butyl-2,4,6-trinitro-m-xylene

About 5-tert-Butyl-2,4,6-trinitro-m-xylene

Musk xylene is a synthetic nitro musk fragrance with IFRA restrictions due to skin sensitization and environmental bioaccumulation concerns, permitted in trace amounts in fine fragrances.

Detailed Analysis

Musk xylene (also called 5-tert-butyl-2,4,6-trinitro-m-xylene) is a synthetic nitro musk widely used in fine fragrances and some cosmetic products for its persistent musk odor. Under IFRA Standards (International Fragrance Association), musk xylene is restricted to 1.0% in fine fragrance, 0.4% in eau de toilette, and 0.03% in other cosmetic products due to concerns about skin sensitization and photoallergy. The compound has been detected in human tissues and is persistent in the environment, with bioaccumulation potential. While not banned outright in the EU, its environmental and sensitization concerns have led to significant usage restrictions. The dinitro and trinitro xylene structures raise questions about potential nitrocompound-related toxicity, though the IFRA limits are designed to ensure safe use at specified concentrations.

Skin Benefits

• ✓ Fixative and fragrance component providing long-lasting musk scent in cosmetics

Known Concerns

• ⚠ Skin sensitizer and photoallergen
• ⚠ Environmental bioaccumulation and persistence
• ⚠ IFRA restrictions limit concentrations significantly
• ⚠ Detected in human breast milk and fatty tissue

References