Motor Oil
NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC, POPULAR AND WEIRD / earthy · rich · woody
Motor Oil
| Category | NATURAL AND SYNTHETIC, POPULAR AND WEIRD |
| Subcategory | earthy · rich · woody |
| Origin | |
| Volatility | Base Note |
| Botanical | N/A — clean petroleum product |
| Appearance | Amber to dark brown viscous liquid |
| Odor Strength | Medium |
| Producing Countries | United States, Saudi Arabia, Russia, China |
| Pyramid | Base |
Petroleum distillate, warm metal, friction. Industrial viscosity -- the garage smell that mechanics never quite wash off.
Scent
Evolution over time
Immediately
Immediately
Petroleum distillate, warm metal, friction
After a few hours
After a few hours
Developing character and warmth
After a few days
After a few days
Subtle residual trace
The Full Story
Did You Know?
Did you know?
In perfumery, the motor-oil note is used in conceptual and industrial-themed compositions -- part of the 'anti-perfume' movement that embraces petroleum, concrete, and machinery as valid olfactory experiences.
Extraction & Chemistry
Extraction method: Not a naturally extracted material. The note is a perfumery reconstruction or concept accord.
| Molecular Formula | N/A — mixture of hydrocarbons (C₂₀–C₅₀ alkanes, cycloalkanes) |
| CAS Number | N/A — petroleum product, complex mixture |
| Botanical Name | N/A — clean petroleum product |
| IFRA Status | No known restrictions |
| Synonyms | engine oil, lubricant oil |
| Physical Properties | |
| Odor Strength | Medium |
| Appearance | Amber to dark brown viscous liquid |
| Flash Point | > 200 °C (closed cup) |
| Specific Gravity | 0.850 to 0.900 @ 15 °C |
In Perfumery
Motor Oil functions as a concept or fantasy note in modern fragrance compositions. Not derived from a single natural extraction; the impression is built from multiple materials.
