Ambroxane CAS 6790-58-5

Introduction to Ambroxane

Ambroxane is a white crystalline granule, the (−)-enantiomer of ambroxide and the key odorant of natural ambergris, produced semi-synthetically from clary-sage sclareol. The tricyclic ether skeleton carries a dry, mineral, woody-amber odour with a warm skin-musk undertone; the odour threshold sits near 0.3 ppb, a 10% blotter holds over 400 h, and skin tenacity runs 8–12 h. Perfumers use it as the modern ambergris equivalent in woody-amber fine fragrances, cosmetic bases, and fabric-care perfumes.

Solubility is the main handling variable: roughly 10–15% in ethanol at room temperature, and DPG needs warming to 40–50 °C. In high-alcohol concentrates, high doses or cold storage can throw crystals; pre-dissolve at 40–50 °C, hold the stock warm, and judge blotters at 24 h because the odour develops slowly on the dry-down.

Key Features of Ambroxane

• Ambergris-equivalent odour. Dry, mineral, woody-amber with a warm musky skin note—the classic replacement for natural ambergris at a fraction of the cost.
• Sub-ppb threshold, extreme tenacity. ~0.3 ppb detection threshold; 8–12 h on skin and over a month on blotters, so trace doses give marked projection and longevity.
• Fixative and radiance boost. As a base-note fixative it slows evaporation of the whole accord while adding the diffusive “radiance” lift modern amber fragrances are built on.
• Excellent stability. The ether skeleton carries no hydrolysable ester bond; stable in alkaline detergent bases and wax melts with no discoloration and no odour shift.
• Optical purity. The (−)-enantiomer at ≥99% enantiomeric purity delivers the valued odour quality; optical rotation −24° to −32° serves as the incoming acceptance check versus weaker racemates.

Ambroxane Chemical & Physical Properties

Applications of Ambroxane

Fine fragrances (EDP/EDT): Used at 0.2–5% as a base-note fixative and radiance booster. Trace doses already add projection; at 2–5% it defines the dry woody-amber backbone of modern amber fragrances.

Cosmetics and personal care: Dosed at 0.05–0.5% in creams, lotions, and deodorant sticks. Imparts a warm amber base with long skin residency without discolouring emulsions.

Fabric care and laundry products: Used at 0.1–0.5%. Deposits on fibre to leave a persistent dry-amber scent after drying, and stays stable in alkaline detergent bases.

Candles and home care: Formulated at 0.5–3%. Stable at wax melt temperatures with no discoloration, giving candles and diffusers a long, steady amber throw.

Storage & Safety Precautions for Ambroxane

Storage conditions. Store sealed at below 25 °C, protected from light. The crystals sublime slowly and will cross-contaminate neighbouring materials with odour—reseal foil bags and drum liners immediately after sampling. Keep away from strong oxidisers.

Safety and PPE. GHS: Not classified as hazardous. Mild irritant. Wear an N95 dust mask and safety glasses during dispensing to avoid dust inhalation. Spills: sweep up dry and recover the crystals.

Transport classification. Non-DG. Flash point ~105 °C places it outside Class 3; not regulated under IMDG, IATA, or ADR. Ship as standard general cargo.

Practitioner note: For incoming QC, combine GC purity (≥99%), melting point (74–76 °C), and optical rotation (−24° to −32°, c = 1 in toluene). Prepare a 10% ethanol dilution and read the blotter at 24 h for odour evaluation—the odour develops slowly, and reading too early underestimates tenacity.

Ambroxane FAQ

Q: Are Ambroxane, Ambroxide, and Cetalox the same material?

A: Same molecule. Ambroxane/Ambroxide are the INCI and trade names; Cetalox is one manufacturer’s brand. The material supplied here is the (−)-enantiomer, optical rotation −24° to −32°, whose odour quality is superior to racemic material.

Q: Why do crystals appear in my finished perfume?

A: Solubility ceiling. Ethanol holds roughly 10–15% at room temperature, and DPG or low-alcohol systems hold less. Pre-dissolve at 40–50 °C as a 10% stock, dose from the stock, and avoid cold storage of the concentrate; if crystals appear, warm to re-dissolve.

Q: How do I set the dose?

A: With a ~0.3 ppb threshold, start low and build: 0.2–5% in fine fragrance, 0.05–0.5% in cosmetics, 0.1–0.5% in fabric care. Overdosing lets the woody facet dominate the accord, so evaluate blotters at 24 h before scaling up.