Ambroxan
Ambroxan is a high-impact amber–woody aroma chemical renowned for its exceptional fixative power, diffusion, and longevity. Originally developed as a sustainable alternative to natural ambergris, Ambroxan has become a cornerstone molecule in modern fine fragrance and functional perfumery.
Type
Woody / Amber
Ambroxan delivers a clean, warm, mineral-amber woody profile with subtle musky and balsamic undertones. It enhances depth without heaviness and provides a modern, elegant backbone to fragrance compositions.
Acquisition Methods
Chemical synthesis
Ambroxol is typically synthesized via oxidation and cyclization reactions of sarcopentyl alcohol or synthetic intermediates, historically derived from natural sclareol (from clary sage), though modern industrial production increasingly relies on fully synthetic routes to ensure cost stability, consistency, and scalability.
Basic Information
| English Name | Ambroxan |
| Common Industry Names | Ambroxide, Ambrox |
| Chemical Class | Ambergris-type terpenoid |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₆H₂₈O |
| Molecular Weight | 236.39 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 6790-58-5 |
| Appearance | White to off-white crystalline solid |
Technical Data
| Boiling Point | > 300 °C (decomposes) |
| Melting Point | 75–78 °C |
| Flash Point | > 100 °C |
| Density (20 °C) | ~1.02 g/cm³ |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohols and fragrance solvents |
| Stability | Excellent thermal, oxidative, and formulation stability |
Chemical Structure
Fragrance Characteristics
| Odor Description | Amber, woody, dry, slightly musky, mineral |
| Note Position | Base note |
| Common Pairings | Citrus (bergamot, grapefruit), Floral musks (hedione, muguet bases), Woods (Iso E Super, Cedramber, Sandalwood molecules) |
| Application Areas | Fine fragrance (EDT, EDP, extrait), Functional fragrances (detergents, fabric care), Personal care (shampoos, body washes) |
Safety and Compliance
| IFRA Status | Approved for use under IFRA guidelines |
| Formulation Stability | Highly stable across pH ranges and product matrices |
| Allergen Risk | Low sensitization risk; widely accepted in global formulations |
Application Highlights
- Exceptional Fixative Efficiency: Extends fragrance longevity without increasing dosage
- Cost-to-Performance Advantage: Replaces animal-derived ambergris at industrial scale
- Formulation Flexibility: Compatible with both fine fragrance and functional bases
- Market-Proven Molecule: Recognizable “modern luxury” signature in global bestsellers
- Regulatory-Friendly: Long-term compliance security across major markets