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Ambrettolide (Natural Musk)

Q: Is Ambrettolide (Natural Musk) natural or synthetic?

. Extraction: Extracted from ambrette seed oil (CO2 or solvent extraction). Also produced synthetically. Natural version commands premium..

MUSKS AND AMBERS / musky · sweet · fruity

Category	MUSKS AND AMBERS
Subcategory	musky · sweet · fruity
Origin
Volatility	Base Note
Botanical	Abelmoschus moschatus (ambrette seed)
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid
Odor Strength	Medium
Producing Countries	India, China, Ecuador
Pyramid	Base

Warm, sweet, musky-lactonic with subtle fruity-floral lift. Ambrettolide (CAS 7779-50-2) is one of the few musks occurring naturally: found in ambrette seeds.

Scent
The Full Story
Fun Fact
Extraction & Chemistry
In Perfumery

Scent

Warm, sweet, gently musky with fruity-floral undertone. The most natural-feeling musk because it comes from a plant. A honeyed warmth suggesting living things: seeds, flowers, warm skin.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Warm sweet-musky opening, fruity lift

After a few hours

Honeyed musk warmth, natural

After a few days

Persistent sweet-musky base, intimate

The Full Story

Ambrettolide (CAS 7779-50-2) is a macrocyclic musk lactone naturally present in ambrette seed oil (Abelmoschus moschatus). One of the very few natural-origin musks at commercial scale.

Warm, sweet, musky with fruity-floral quality from the macrolide ring. Often described as the most natural-smelling musk because it actually is natural.

Functions as a luxury base note. Its natural status makes it appealing for clean-label perfumery.

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Related: Aldron · Ambretone · Ambrette Musk Mallow · Ambrinol · Coral Reef · Cyclopentadecanolide · Exaltolide · Galaxolide

Did You Know?

Did you know?

Ambrette is a member of the mallow family (Malvaceae), related to hibiscus and okra. The seeds contain ambrettolide at around 0.3%. It is the only commonly cultivated plant grown primarily for its musk content.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Extracted from ambrette seed oil (CO2 or solvent extraction). Also produced synthetically. Natural version commands premium.

Molecular Formula	C16H28O2
CAS Number	7779-50-2
Botanical Name	Abelmoschus moschatus (ambrette seed)
IFRA Status	No known restrictions
Synonyms	Musk Ambrettolide, Ambrettolide
Physical Properties
Odor Strength	Medium
Lasting Power	Excellent — 48+ hours on blotter
Appearance	Colorless to pale yellow clear liquid
Boiling Point	185.00 to 190.00 °C. @ 16.00 mm Hg
Flash Point	> 212.00 °F. TCC ( > 100.00 °C. )
Specific Gravity	0.95600 @ 25.00 °C.
Refractive Index	1.47900 @ 20.00 °C.

In Perfumery

Luxury base note and fixative. CAS 7779-50-2. Naturally occurring from ambrette seeds (Abelmoschus moschatus). One of the few plant-derived musks. Premium pricing reflects natural status.