What Is Damascenona?
Damascenona is an aroma molecule that perfumers prize for its high impact at very low dosages. First isolated in the late 1960s during research into the scent of rose oil, it was fully characterized and made commercially available in the early 1970s.
Today the material is produced through controlled chemical synthesis, usually starting from carotenoid-derived intermediates. This route assures consistent purity and supply, making the ingredient classified as synthetic even though it also occurs naturally in a variety of fruits and flowers.
At room temperature Damascenona appears as a clear mobile liquid that may show a faint yellow tint. It pours easily thanks to a moderate viscosity and carries no visible solids or cloudiness.
Because of its extreme strength it is used in trace amounts, which keeps overall formula cost low even though the wholesale price per kilogram sits toward the higher end of the aroma chemical scale. You will find it in everything from luxury fine fragrance to everyday cleaning products, a testament to both its versatility and stability.
What Does Damascenona Smell Like?
Most perfumers file Damascenona under the floral family.
On a scent blotter it opens with a voluptuous rose tone quickly joined by the juiciness of dark berries and stewed plum. A soft honey nuance bridges into a subtle leafy tobacco back note that adds depth without turning smoky. The overall impression feels rich yet surprisingly airy rather than heavy.
When talking about perfume construction we often divide materials into top, middle and base notes. Top notes sparkle in the first few minutes, middle notes build the heart of the fragrance and bases linger for hours. Damascenona sits mainly in the heart but its tenacity lets it echo well into the drydown, effectively linking the mid and base sections of a composition.
A trace is enough to radiate well, so projection is pronounced even at low concentration. Longevity is excellent, with the rosy-fruity facet remaining detectable on a blotter for more than a day.
How & Where To Use Damascenona
In the lab Damascenona is a joy to handle. It pours smoothly, does not crystallise in the pipette and its smell jumps out of even a light dilution, making evaluation quick and satisfying.
Perfumers reach for it when a rose accord needs extra lift or when a plum or berry nuance feels thin. A trace in a tobacco blend adds a natural leafy sweetness that keeps the accord from becoming ashy. Because it bridges floral, fruity and subtle gourmand facets it also helps knit disparate themes together, letting a composition feel seamless.
Dosage is normally in the parts-per-million range for fine fragrance. Shampoos, soaps and candles can accept a little more, up to around 0.05 % of the finished product, though seldom higher than 0.1 % because the note will quickly dominate. In heavy-duty detergents it survives the wash cycle well so even 0.01 % can be enough for a noticeable bloom when the fabric is warm.
At very low levels the molecule reads pure petal-like rose. Push it toward 0.05 % in a trial mod and the dark fruit comes through. Go higher and the tobacco shadow steps forward and can make the whole perfume smell overripe. This chameleon behaviour is useful but demands restraint.
Because it is insoluble in water the material should be pre-diluted to 1 % or 10 % in ethanol, triethyl citrate or dipropylene glycol before weighing into an oil or surfactant base. The dilution not only aids solubility but also keeps the pipette accurate since neat Damascenona can cling to glass and skew tiny doses.
Safely Information
Working with Damascenona calls for the usual sensible precautions applied to all potent aroma materials.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 1 % or weaker solution so the strong odor does not overwhelm your senses
- Never smell directly from the bottle: use a blotter or waft the diluted sample toward your nose to avoid mucous membrane irritation
- Ensure good ventilation: blend and evaluate in a fume hood or open workspace so airborne vapors do not build up
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes especially when handling the neat material
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions, pregnant or breastfeeding persons should consult a healthcare professional before prolonged work and high concentration exposure should be avoided
For complete peace of mind always consult the latest safety data sheet supplied with your batch and adhere to current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage levels in your chosen application.
Storage And Disposal
When treated with care Damascenona keeps its full olfactory punch for roughly three to four years from the production date. Past that point it rarely goes bad overnight but the rose note can flatten and a faint off taste may creep in.
A refrigerator set around 4 °C is the gold standard for long term storage though a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources also works well for day-to-day access. Sudden temperature swings are the real enemy so pick a spot with stable conditions.
Use bottles that can be filled close to the top to limit the headspace. Less air means less oxygen which slows oxidation. Fit them with polycone caps because the pliable liner makes an airtight seal. Avoid dropper tops since they let vapor escape and fresh air enter every time you open them.
Label every container clearly with the name, date of dilution and any hazard phrases from the safety data sheet. A tidy shelf saves guesswork later and prevents accidental misuse.
Small surplus amounts of diluted Damascenona can go into a dedicated solvent waste drum for professional disposal. Never pour concentrated material down the sink because it is not readily biodegradable and can stress aquatic systems. Wipe up spills with paper towel, seal it in a plastic bag and send it with the chemical waste. Empty glass bottles should be triple rinsed with alcohol before recycling or discarding according to local regulations.
Summary
Damascenona is a powerhouse aroma chemical that smells like plush rose backed by juicy plum and a whisper of sweet tobacco. A micro touch can lift a floral heart, deepen berries or smooth a leafy tobacco accord which makes it both fun and versatile in the lab.
Its popularity rests on big impact at minuscule dose, good stability across product types and a character that bridges floral and fruity themes. Keep an eye on cost and remember that too much will turn a blend overripe but used with restraint it delivers a luxurious signature even in budget formats.
If you need a single molecule to add natural-feeling radiance to shampoos, fine fragrance, candles or detergents Damascenona deserves a spot in your palette.