Start a pleasant natural fragrance journey!
If you have any questions about our products or services, please feel free to communicate with us.
Indole
Indole is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic aromatic compound, originally discovered in indigo dye, and naturally found in various plants (such as jasmine and orange blossom) and animal secretions. In the fragrance and flavor industry, indole holds an important position due to its unique aroma: at low concentrations, it can present a rich floral scent, particularly close to the fragrance of jasmine; while at high concentrations, it has a strong fecal and animalistic odor.
Type
Floral
The “true floral soul” in jasmine, orange blossom, and tuberose.
Acquisition Methods
Natural extraction or chemical synthesis
It is found in natural essential oils such as jasmine, orange blossom, gardenia, and tuberose, and can also be prepared through organic synthesis methods such as Fischer indole synthesis.
Basic Information
| English Name | Indole |
| Common Industry Names | Jasmine Indole, Flower Indole |
| Chemical Category | Nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound |
| Molecular Formula | C8H7N |
| Molecular Weight | 117.15 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 120-72-9 |
| Appearance | White to pale yellow crystals or powder with a characteristic odor |
Technical Data
| Boiling Point | 253°C |
| Melting Point | 52°C |
| Flash Point | 170°C |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | Undefined (solid) |
| Density (20°C) | 1.22 g/cm³ |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water, soluble in alcohols, ethers, and most organic solvents |
| Stability | Relatively stable at room temperature; avoid high temperatures and exposure to light. |
Chemical Structure
C8H7N
Fragrance Characteristics
| Aroma Characteristics | At low concentrations, it emits a sweet, floral aroma (especially jasmine); at high concentrations, it exhibits animalistic, fecal-like characteristics. |
| Fragrance Family Position | Middle to Base Notes |
| Common Pairings | Pairs with floral ingredients such as jasmine, orange blossom, rose, tuberose, and gardenia to enhance the realism of natural floral scents. |
| Applications | Widely used in high-end perfumes, floral fragrances, cosmetics, and in small quantities in certain food flavorings. |
Safety and Compliance
| IFRA Guidelines | Indole use is subject to IFRA standards and must not be exceeded. |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions, but should be stored away from light and high temperatures. |
| Allergy Risk | Relatively safe when used in appropriate amounts, but high concentrations may cause irritation or discomfort. |
Application Highlights
- Floral Authenticity Enhancer: Gives jasmine, orange blossom, and other floral notes a more authentic and natural feel.
- Fragrance Layering Enhancement: Enriches the layers and depth of a fragrance when used at very low concentrations.
- Key Ingredient in Small Doses: Significantly improves the overall aroma characteristics of a fragrance even in very small amounts.
- Identical Molecule of Luxurious Floral Fragrances: An indispensable core ingredient in many classic floral fragrances.
Get in Touch
Interested in learning more about our products, solutions or our company? We are happy to support!
More Ingredients
Ambroxan
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
Iso E Super
Iso E Super Iso E Super is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a soft woody, amber-like quality and velvety sillage. While its scent is understated,
Isoamyl Acetate
Isoamyl Acetate Isoamyl acetate is an ester aroma component with a distinct banana and tropical fruit scent. Its aroma is lively and diffuses quickly, making
Angelica Lactone α
Angelica Lactone α Angelica Lactone α is a lactone aroma compound with warm, creamy, slightly caramel and root notes, often used to enhance the naturalness,
Ethyl Vanillin
Ethyl Vanillin Ethyl vanillin is an aromatic aldehyde with a stronger and sweeter vanilla scent. Its aroma intensity is significantly higher than that of vanillin.
Vanillin
Vanillin Vanillin is an aromatic aldehyde with a sweet, soft, and typical vanilla scent. It is one of the most basic and crucial structural ingredients
Coumarin
Coumarin Coumarin is a lactone aroma compound with warm, sweet, hay- and almond-like notes. It is a key structural ingredient in classic oriental, fougère, and
Cinnamaldehyde
Cinnamaldehyde Cinnamaldehyde is an aromatic aldehyde with a warm, spicy, and sweet cinnamon scent. It is an indispensable core ingredient in oriental, spicy, and festive
Cinnamyl Alcohol
Cinnamyl Alcohol Cinnamyl alcohol is an aromatic alcohol with a warm, slightly sweet, and floral cinnamon-like scent. Its aroma is milder and less pungent than
Citral
Citral Citral is a linear aldehyde aroma component with a strong, fresh lemon scent. Its aroma is bright, clean, and highly sillage, making it a
Indole
Indole Indole is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic aromatic compound, originally discovered in indigo dye, and naturally found in various plants (such as jasmine and orange blossom)
Methyl Anthranilate
Methyl Anthranilate Methyl anthranilate is a classic fragrance molecule that combines natural notes with precise laboratory synthesis. It is naturally found in orange blossom, grape,