What Is Isolongifolanone?
Isolongifolanone is an aroma chemical placed firmly in the woody group. It is sold by Givaudan under its house name though other aroma suppliers offer generic equivalents that share the same CAS number. Perfumers reach for it when they need a dry yet airy woody nuance that lasts.
The material is produced through a controlled chemical process that starts with plant-derived terpene feedstocks. These feedstocks are rearranged and refined until the desired C15 molecule appears. The result is a clear liquid that looks almost water-like, sometimes picking up a faint straw tint after long storage.
In a typical lab bottle it pours easily, carries little visible color and has a medium viscosity. Its vapor pressure is low which means it does not rush out of solution or evaporate too quickly during compounding.
Within the trade Isolongifolanone is considered a workhorse rather than a rare jewel. It shows up in a wide slice of modern fine fragrance, air care and personal wash formulas. Because the supply route uses common terpene streams it is generally priced in the mid-range, making it accessible for both prestige and mass market briefs.
When stored unopened in a cool shaded spot the ingredient keeps its quality for about two to three years. After that the top note can thin out yet the woody core remains usable for experimental work.
Isolongifolanone’s Scent Description
The ingredient sits in the woody olfactory family. Smelled on a fresh blotter it opens with a crisp cedar-chip impression coupled to a dry pine cone vibe. Within seconds a gentle amber glow surfaces giving it a slightly sweet warmth that softens the edges. As the minutes tick by a faint herbal dryness shows, almost like sun-bleached hay, keeping the profile from turning creamy.
Perfumers divide a fragrance into top, middle and base notes that unfold over time. Isolongifolanone behaves as a base note. It arrives early enough to support the heart yet lingers well past the top fade-out anchoring lighter elements that might otherwise vanish.
Projection is moderate but surprisingly diffusive for a woody fixative. It does not shout across the room yet it quietly radiates giving body and reach to a blend. Longevity is one of its strong suits. A single drop on a strip can still whisper dry woody undertones several days later making it a reliable backbone in long-wear compositions.
How & Where To Use Isolongifolanone
Perfumers reach for Isolongifolanone when they want to add dry diffusive woodiness without the weight of heavier cedar or vetiver bases. It slips easily into ambery or modern woody accords, supporting materials like Iso E Super, Ambroxan and cashmeran while lending a crisp outline that lasts.
In masculine fougères it strengthens the backbone of the woody base and extends the life of citrus or lavender tops. In feminine florals a trace smooths the transition between petals and creamy sandalwood. It can even sharpen gourmand woods by cutting through sweetness with its arid tone.
The ingredient excels in functional products too. Its burning effectiveness is rated very high so candles and incense profit from a clear woody throw. It shows outstanding stability in shampoos, detergents and acidic cleaners, yet its impact fades on bone-dry fabric so fabric sprays may need extra support.
Givaudan lists a maximum use level of 15 percent but most fine fragrance formulas sit between 0.5 and 5 percent. At low doses it behaves like a blender, giving lift and subtle dryness. Push it above 8 percent and the note grows louder, sometimes edging into camphoraceous territory that can feel scratchy if not balanced.
Over-use risks include a flat, overly dry accord and unwanted competition with other woods. Because it is non-biodegradable environmental load should be considered when formulating high-volume consumer goods.
The material arrives as a clear liquid so no melting is required. Dilute to 10 percent in ethanol, DPG or TEC before evaluating to avoid olfactory fatigue. It mixes readily but a quick stir or gentle warmth speeds up blends that contain heavy resins.
Safely Using Isolongifolanone
Dilution is key; always prepare a working solution before smelling or weighing. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle because concentrated vapour can numb your nose and mask subtle facets. Work in a well-ventilated space and keep the bottle capped when not in use to limit airborne exposure.
Wear nitrile gloves to prevent skin contact and safety glasses to shield your eyes from accidental splashes. Even though Isolongifolanone is considered safe at typical trace levels some users may experience irritation or sensitisation, so caution is advised.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a healthcare professional before repeated handling. Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally viewed as safe, yet prolonged work with undiluted material or inhalation of high levels can pose health risks.
The ingredient is toxic to aquatic life and non-biodegradable. Collect spills with absorbent material and dispose of waste through approved chemical channels instead of rinsing down the drain.
Always consult the latest safety data sheet supplied by your vendor, as information is updated regularly. Follow IFRA guidelines for maximum concentration in each product type to ensure both consumer and environmental safety.
How To Store & Dispose of Isolongifolanone
Isolongifolanone keeps its best character when shielded from heat light and air. A refrigerator set around 4 °C slows oxidation but a simple cool dark cupboard works for most users as long as the temperature remains stable. Always place bottles away from direct sunlight heaters or any source of ignition because the material is still a flammable liquid.
Use bottles with tight polycone caps for both neat stock and dilutions. These caps form a snug seal that limits air transfer better than typical droppers which often leak and invite evaporation. Try to store the ingredient in a container that is nearly full or top up headspace with inert gas so that oxygen cannot trigger colour shift or flatten the scent.
Label every container clearly with the name Isolongifolanone the CAS number 23787-90-8 and hazard phrases such as “Toxic to aquatic life” so anyone who handles it understands the risks at a glance. Dating each label helps track age and signals when a replacement check should be made, usually every two to three years.
In the lab keep the bottle upright in a secondary tray to catch spills. Wipe threads clean after each use to prevent crust and ensure the cap seats tightly. If you transport the material pack the bottle in a padded bag and attach a safety data sheet for easy reference.
Disposal needs care because the ingredient is non-biodegradable and toxic to the aquatic environment. Never pour it down the drain. Small hobby amounts can be soaked into kitty litter or vermiculite then placed in a sealed bag and handed to a local household hazardous waste site. Larger volumes from commercial work should go through a licensed chemical waste contractor who will incinerate or treat it according to regional rules. Rinse containers with a little solvent collect the washings for disposal then recycle or trash the clean glass following local guidance.
Summary
Isolongifolanone is a synthetic woody note from Givaudan that offers a dry amber-tinged scent with impressive staying power. It is valued for the way it extends and lifts woody or ambery accords without adding weight. Thanks to its moderate cost and strong performance it appears in fine fragrance functional care and even candles.
The liquid stays stable across a broad pH range and holds up well in heat yet it can lose brightness if stored poorly. Keep it cool and capped to enjoy its full life. While affordable compared with rare natural woods it is still specialised enough that careful dosing makes sense both for cost control and environmental load.
Perfumers love its clarity but should remember that overuse can push a scratchy dry edge. Respect the typical 0.5-5 percent range in fine fragrance or the 15 percent ceiling set by the supplier.
Commercial buyers can source drums directly from Givaudan or approved distributors. Hobbyists and small brands will find smaller bottles through online aroma shops or third-party suppliers offering generic versions under the same CAS number. Whether you are blending a new cologne or boosting a laundry scent this dependable woody note is a handy tool to have on the shelf.