Described are .alpha.-oxygen-substituted cyclohexane propionitriles having the structure: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.20 and R.sub.21 are the same or different C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 lower alkoxy; or wherein R.sub.20 is hydrogen and R.sub.21 is hydroxy, C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 lower alkoxy or C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 lower acyloxy; and wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 are the same or different hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 lower alkyl, and uses thereof for their organoleptic properties in augmenting or enhancing or imparting aromas in or to perfume compositions, colognes, microporous polymers or perfumed articles including solid or liquid anionic, cationic, nonionic or zwitterionic detergents, fabric softener compositions, fabric softener articles, hair care compositions and the like.