What Is Ambermor Ketal Crystal?
Ambermor Ketal Crystal is an aroma chemical created by IFF, a leading supplier of fragrance ingredients. Similar molecules may be offered by other houses under different trade names but they all link back to the same CAS number 57345-19-4.
Chemists also know it as 3,8,8,11a-Tetramethyldodecahydro-3,5a-epoxynaphtho[2,1-c]oxepine. The name is a mouthful yet the CAS number keeps things simple when you need to source it.
The material is produced through a controlled chemical synthesis that yields a white to slightly off-white crystalline solid at room temperature. It ships in flake or fine granule form that melts quickly when warmed.
Ambermor Ketal Crystal is classed as a specialty base note and finds steady use in fine fragrance, fabric care and personal wash formulas. It is not considered rare yet sits in the medium price bracket due to its high impact and renewable feedstock.
With proper storage in a cool dry spot the ingredient remains in good shape for at least two years, often longer if the container is kept tightly closed and moisture free.
Ambermor Ketal Crystal’s Scent Description
Most perfumers place Ambermor Ketal Crystal in the amber family. On a blotter it opens with a strong diffusive burst of warm resinous amber wrapped in dry woody tones.
Within minutes a smooth animalic hum surfaces, lending a soft musk nuance that keeps the accord from feeling sugary. Hints of cedar and a faint mineral touch add polish rather than roughness.
The molecule sits mainly in the heart to base of a composition. It rises quickly enough to be noticed in the first hour yet endures on paper for well over two days which shows solid tenacity.
Projection is high at low dosage so only trace amounts are needed to give weight and lasting warmth to blends. Think of it as a sturdy foundation note that also shines through the mid phase providing character and cohesion from start to finish.
How & Where To Use Ambermor Ketal Crystal
Perfumers reach for Ambermor Ketal Crystal when a composition needs a quick solvent free route to deep amber character with a woody edge. It can stand alone as the core of a modern amber accord or reinforce natural resins like labdanum and benzoin that sometimes fade too soon.
At trace level it works as a blender that ties floral or citrus tops to a richer base. Around 0.2-0.5 % it starts to speak clearly, adding velvet warmth that bridges heart and drydown. Near the upper guideline of 1 % it becomes a starring note with pronounced diffusion and animalic musk undertones.
Its power means more is rarely better. Over 1 % the material can mask delicate nuances, flatten freshness and push a perfume into heavy territory. Excess also risks a waxy off note on skin.
Ambermor Ketal Crystal shines in fine fragrance, fabric conditioner and body wash where long lasting scent is prized. It holds up well in shampoos and soaps too. Performance is merely good in candles and powder detergent so pairing with other ambers like Ambroxan or Ambrinol can help.
Because the ingredient is a solid, many perfumers first prepare a 10 % solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. Gentle warming and stirring are enough to dissolve the flakes. Once in solution dosing is straightforward and scale up is cleaner with less dust.
Avoid combining it with strong phenolics or high dose patchouli early in the formula. Those pairings can create a muddy base unless balanced by bright spices or a hint of citrus.
Safely Using Ambermor Ketal Crystal
Dilution is key. Always make a solution before evaluating the scent. Working neat can overload your nose and skew perception.
Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle. Move a blotter over the opening or smell the prepared dilution instead.
Use the material in a well-ventilated space. Even low volatility molecules build up in closed rooms over time.
Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses. The crystals can cling to skin and dust may irritate eyes.
Like many aroma chemicals it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a health professional before handling any fragrance raw material.
Short exposure to low amounts is generally safe. Prolonged contact with higher concentrations raises the chance of headache or skin issues so keep work sessions brief and wash hands after use.
Store the ingredient in a sealed container away from heat, light and moisture. Dispose of spills by absorbing onto inert material then follow local rules for chemical waste.
Always review the most recent safety data sheet from your supplier and follow IFRA guidelines for maximum dose in finished products. Regulations and recommended limits can change so check for updates often.
How To Store & Dispose of Ambermor Ketal Crystal
Ambermor Ketal Crystal keeps best in a cool dark spot away from direct sun and heat sources. A dedicated fragrance fridge set around 4-8 °C can stretch shelf life but is not a must if room conditions stay stable.
Seal the original jar tightly after every use. When making a dilution switch to bottles fitted with polycone caps. They form a tight barrier that stops slow loss of alcohol and keeps air out. Dropper bottles look handy yet often leak around the pipette so skip them for long term storage.
Try to store liquids in containers that stay mostly full. Less empty headspace means less oxygen, which slows oxidation and color shift.
Label every container with the material name, concentration, date of prep and basic hazard notes. Clear labels avoid mix-ups and make any future disposal safer.
If a spill happens soak it up with sand or paper towels then place the waste in a sealed bag before following local rules for chemical trash. Small amounts of rinse water can usually go down the drain with plenty of running water but check your municipal guidelines first.
Ambermor Ketal Crystal is inherently biodegradable, which eases environmental load, yet large volumes should still go to a licensed disposal service. Never pour bulk leftovers into soil or surface water.
Summary
Ambermor Ketal Crystal is an IFF-made amber aroma chemical that arrives as white flakes and delivers a powerful warm woody amber note with soft animalic musk nuances. It excels as a heart-to-base anchor in fine fragrance, fabric care and personal wash formulas where lasting depth is needed.
The material is highly stable, renewable and vegan friendly. Cost sits in the mid range yet its strength means low dose use, so overall formula impact stays economical. Be mindful that levels above 1 % can overwhelm light accords.
Store it cool, dry and tightly sealed or chilled for extra margin. Use polycone caps, keep bottles full and label clearly. Disposal is straightforward thanks to biodegradability but still follow local regulations.
Commercial buyers can source Ambermor Ketal Crystal directly from IFF or authorized distributors. Hobbyists will find smaller packs through specialty fragrance suppliers and generic makers offering the same CAS 57345-19-4.