What Is Anethole Extra 21/22?
Anethole Extra 21/22 is a refined aroma chemical first isolated in the early 1920s, shortly after steam-distillation techniques made large scale extraction of plant compounds practical. The molecule belongs to the ether class and is obtained today through an upcycling process that converts natural plant feedstocks, mainly star anise and fennel by-products, into a high purity ingredient.
The resulting liquid looks crystal clear in a vial and may pick up a very slight straw tone when viewed against a white surface. At room temperature it stays fluid and pours easily. With a gas-chromatography purity above 99 percent it is regarded as a highly consistent material, which helps perfumers keep batch-to-batch variation low.
Because the entire carbon content comes from renewable botanical sources the material is marketed as 100 percent natural origin, even though it is further purified in a lab setting. This renewable angle, combined with ready biodegradability, has boosted its popularity in modern formulations aimed at a greener profile.
In the perfume world Anethole Extra 21/22 is considered a workhorse rather than a luxury item. Its cost sits in the lower bracket, making it readily available for fine fragrance as well as everyday products like soaps and candles. You will find it on the shelves of most compounding labs around the globe.
What Does Anethole Extra 21/22 Smell Like?
Perfumers file Anethole Extra 21/22 under the herbal family. Off a blotter the first impression is an aromatic burst that instantly recalls fresh anise seed and the sweet cloud that forms when ouzo is diluted with water. There is a cool, slightly spicy edge similar to liquorice root, backed by a gentle green nuance that hints at crushed herbs.
On a standard fragrance pyramid this material sits mainly in the top to early heart. It opens brightly and diffuses fast during the first ten minutes then settles into a softer, sweet herbal theme that can linger for an hour or two before giving way to the deeper notes of a composition. Although it is not a base note it does leave a faint sugary echo that bridges into the drydown.
Projection is moderate; it radiates a clear aromatic halo without overwhelming nearby notes. Longevity on blotter runs three to four hours, which is respectable for a top-leaning material. Used at higher levels it can extend its presence, but most perfumers rely on supporting resins or woods if they need the anise idea to last all day.
How & Where To Use Anethole Extra 21/22
This is one of those easy going materials that behaves well on the strip and in the beaker so most perfumers are happy to reach for it. It weighs in as a clear liquid, pours without fuss and blends smoothly into alcohol or oil bases.
Its main calling card is that sunny anise note that lifts the top of a fragrance. A few drops can brighten citrus colognes, add a playful twist to fougères or round out the sweet edge of gourmand accords. When a designer wants a clean anise flash without the earthy baggage of licorice absolute this molecule is the go-to.
In herbal bouquets it acts as the sweet counterpoint to sharper green notes such as rosemary or thyme. It also partners well with aldehydes, lending a comforting sugar-herb vibe that softens their metallic snap. If the brief is a Mediterranean breeze or an old world apéritif you will likely see Anethole Extra 21/22 on the formula.
Compared with standard anethole from star anise this extra grade offers tighter batch consistency and a lower off note count, so it is preferred when the rest of the composition is clean and modern. You might skip it in an ultra woody or smoky scent where its clarity gets lost.
Usage sits anywhere between a trace and about 5 percent, though some functional products tolerate up to 10 percent without smelling medicinal. At 0.1 percent it whispers sweet freshness, at 1 percent it becomes clearly anise, and beyond 3 percent it can dominate and push the blend toward candy territory.
If you need extra solubility in water based cleaners, pre-dilute it 10 percent in a suitable solvent like dipropylene glycol. Otherwise the only prep is a quick warm water bath if it has thickened in a cold lab.
Safety Information
Working with any concentrated aroma chemical calls for sensible precautions to keep both the creator and the end user safe.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 percent or lower solution in ethanol or a neutral carrier before smelling or blotter testing.
- Nose to bottle is a no-go: avoid sniffing straight from the vial to prevent overwhelming the olfactory nerves.
- Ensure good ventilation: blend and weigh the material under an extractor or near an open window so vapors disperse quickly.
- Wear gloves and eye protection: shields skin and eyes from accidental splashes, spills or prolonged contact.
- Health considerations: some people may experience irritation or allergic response, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a medical professional before handling, brief low level exposure is generally safe yet high concentrations or long periods can pose risks.
For complete and current guidance always review the supplier’s latest Material Safety Data Sheet and keep an eye on updates. Follow IFRA recommended limits for your product category to ensure every formula remains within accepted safety margins.
Storage And Disposal
When sealed tightly and stored with care Anethole Extra 21/22 keeps its punchy anise scent for about three years, sometimes longer. Past this point the aroma can flatten and slight off notes may creep in.
A fridge set around 4 °C slows oxidation and is a nice extra step, though it is not essential. A cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight heaters or hot pipes usually does the job.
Use bottles with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. They form a snug seal that keeps vapors in and air out. Dropper tops look handy but often leak and let oxygen creep back so skip them for long term storage.
Top up containers whenever possible. A full bottle leaves little headspace which means less air to trigger oxidation or polymer build up. If you only have a half vial transfer the liquid to a smaller glass.
Label every container clearly with the ingredient name date of receipt dilution strength and any hazard symbols requested on the safety sheet. Clear labels save time and reduce mistakes when blending later.
For disposal remember the material is readily biodegradable but it is still a concentrated chemical. Small leftover drips on blotters or glassware can be washed away with warm soapy water. Larger volumes should go to a local chemical disposal or household hazardous waste center. Never pour big amounts down the drain or toss them in regular trash.
Rinse empty bottles with a little alcohol before recycling and let them dry in a ventilated spot. Cap and wipe everything to stop lingering scent from spreading through the workspace.
Summary
Anethole Extra 21/22 is a high-purity ether that captures the bright sweet kick of fresh anise and ouzo. It slots into the top to early heart of a perfume adding lift sparkle and a herbal twist.
Because it blends easily and stays affordable it shows up in colognes gourmand spins modern fougères soaps and even scented candles. A trace gives airy sweetness while higher doses push a candy like licorice vibe so it is a fun tool for many accords.
Perfumers like its green profile too. The feedstock is fully renewable the molecule is readily biodegradable and stability is good when stored cool and sealed. Keep an eye on the flash point around 100 °C and remember that its clear anise signature can overshadow delicate florals if you overdo it.
Overall it is a friendly workhorse that lets creatives paint quick herbal highlights without breaking the budget or battling tricky raw materials.