What Is Damascol?
Damascol is a synthetic aroma molecule created to imitate and extend the naturally complex facets of rose. It was developed by International Flavors & Fragrances, although once the patent expired several suppliers began offering comparable grades under different trade names. All versions refer to the same underlying chemical substance identified by CAS number 4927-36-0.
The material is produced through modern organic chemistry, typically starting with terpene or ketone building blocks that are rearranged and refined until the desired molecular structure is reached. The final product emerges as a clear, water-thin liquid with no visible color, making it easy to blend into both oil and water based fragrance compositions.
In the lab and the fragrance studio Damascol is valued for its ability to reinforce rose ketones at quite low dosages, so formulators reach for it in everything from luxury perfumes to household products. Because only traces are needed in many formulas a kilogram can last a creative team a long time, meaning the ingredient is considered reasonably economical compared with other specialty rose boosters.
When stored in a cool, dark cupboard in a tightly closed container the molecule keeps its character for at least two years before any noticeable oxidation occurs. Even after that point the change is gradual, so perfumers often finish the stock rather than discard it.
Overall Damascol sits in that sweet spot of availability, price and performance which explains why it has become a quiet workhorse in modern floral fragrance design.
Damascol’s Scent Description
Perfumers place Damascol in the floral family, specifically the rose sub-category, but its character is richer than a textbook petal note. On a blotter the first impression is a juicy burst of red berry sweetness paired with a peppery sparkle that keeps it lively. Within seconds a woody nuance surfaces, giving depth similar to freshly cut cedar shavings dusted with spice. As the minutes pass a plush, almost waxy rose absolute tone settles in, rounded by hints of dried plum and soft cinnamon.
Fragrance construction is usually discussed in terms of top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the opening, middle notes form the heart and base notes linger the longest. Damascol lives mainly in the heart where its rosy glow supports the main floral theme, yet it also trails into the base thanks to its 24-hour substantivity. This dual presence helps bridge bright top notes with heavier fixatives, creating a smoother evolution on skin.
Projection sits in the moderate range. It will not shout across a room but stays noticeable within an arm’s length for the first few hours. Longevity on a standard blotter reaches a full day, letting evaluators revisit the drydown without having to refresh the strip. When used judiciously it lends a natural yet refined rosy aura that remains detectable long after lighter florals have faded.
How & Where To Use Damascol
Perfumers pick up Damascol when a rose effect needs extra weight without drifting into powder. Its peppery woody side gives a natural absolute vibe that strengthens modern or vintage style bouquets. Blend it with damascenone, phenyl ethyl alcohol or rose oxide to widen the floral spectrum, or layer it inside a spicy fruit accord to echo the fleshier facets of plum and blackcurrant.
The material shines in the heart of fine fragrances, especially chypres, florientals and gourmand roses. At traces of 0.05 % it can simply polish an existing floral accord, while at 0.5 % to 1 % it becomes a recognizable rosy spine that supports fruity top notes and sweet vanilla bases. Above 2 % the woody pepper aspect moves forward and may dominate lighter petals so balance with ionones or soft musks if you go high.
Damascol also works in functional products where lasting bloom is wanted: fabric conditioners, shampoos, soaps and detergents all benefit from its 24-hour substantivity. It is less impressive in bleach or high-acid cleaners where the molecule degrades, which is why you will often see usage shifted to encapsulated formats or skipped entirely.
Over-use risks a heavy medicinal impression that can flatten the blend. Because the note lingers you may not notice the build-up until the dry-down so start low, compare on skin and blotter, then step up in small increments. If the formula already holds spicy aldehydes or strong pepper CO2 you may need even lower levels.
For bench work pre-dilute to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol so you can dose reliably in drops. The clear liquid mixes easily with most solvents but give the stock a quick warm-water bath if it has chilled and thickened. Rinse pipettes immediately, as dried residue can skew later trials.
Safely Using Damascol
Dilution is key with any aroma chemical. Prepare a working solution before smelling or dosing so your nose and skin face a far lower concentration. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle; blotter evaluation at arm’s length gives a clearer impression and protects the nasal passages.
Always blend and evaluate in a well-ventilated space. A running fume hood or open window helps disperse vapors that otherwise build up during a long session. Protective gloves and safety glasses stop accidental splashes from reaching skin or eyes and are a basic part of lab practice.
Like many ketones Damascol can irritate sensitive skin if handled neat. Short low-level exposure is generally considered safe yet prolonged or repeated high-concentration contact may trigger redness or an allergic response. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before routine work with fragrance materials.
In case of accidental spill wash the area with plenty of soap and water then ventilate well. If eye contact occurs rinse with clean water for several minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Regulations and toxicology data evolve so check the supplier’s latest Material Safety Data Sheet for detailed thresholds, first aid advice and transport rules. Keep an eye on updates and confirm your usage falls within current IFRA guidelines for the end product category.
How To Store & Dispose of Damascol
Store Damascol in tightly closed amber glass or fluorinated HDPE bottles kept in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and hot equipment. Refrigeration is not essential but it can extend shelf life by slowing oxidation and evaporation. If you chill the material let it warm to room temperature before opening to prevent moisture condensation inside the bottle.
Use polycone caps for both neat stock and working dilutions because the soft cone liner seals against the bottle neck and limits seepage. Dropper bottles look convenient yet often leave small gaps that invite air entry and gradual aroma loss. To cut oxygen exposure decant into smaller containers as the level drops so each bottle stays as full as practical.
Label every container clearly with the name Damascol, the CAS number 4927-36-0, the dilution strength and any hazard icons required by your local regulations. A date of first opening helps you track age and decide when to re-test quality.
When disposal becomes necessary check regional rules first. The molecule is inherently biodegradable so tiny rinse residues from cleaned glassware can usually go down the drain with plenty of running water. Larger unwanted quantities should be collected in a sealed waste jar, absorbed onto inert material such as dry cat litter then handed to a licensed chemical disposal or household hazardous waste center. Never pour bulk aroma chemicals into soil, gutters or septic systems.
Summary
Damascol is an IFF-developed synthetic that delivers a deep peppery rose note with woody and fruity shadings. It works mainly as a heart modifier that extends natural rose ketones and gives body to floral, chypre and gourmand styles. At trace levels it smooths existing bouquets while at higher dosages it becomes a clear rosy spine that lingers around 24 hours.
Perfumers appreciate its good stability in most bases, moderate cost and vegan biodegradable profile, though performance drops in strong bleach or high-acid cleaners. The note is specific so overuse can weigh a blend down, making careful dosing and skin testing important.
Commercial houses can source Damascol in kilogram drums directly from IFF or secondary bulk suppliers working under the same CAS. Hobbyists and small labs will find smaller volumes through specialty fragrance retailers and re-bottlers that cater to pilot projects and training work.