Beta Damascone
Beta Damascone (CAS #23726-91-2) is a highly valued aromatic compound in the damascone family, closely related to ionones. Renowned for its intense, multifaceted scent, beta-damascone is a key ingredient in modern perfumery, imparting distinctive character and depth to fragrance compositions145.
Chemical Profile
Chemical Name: Beta-Damascone
Molecular Formula: C₁₃H₁₈O or C₁₃H₂₀O (depending on isomeric form)234
Molecular Weight: 190.28–192.30 g/mol234
CAS Number: 23726-91-2
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid46
Odor: Intense, fruity, and floral, with nuances of rose, apple, plum, blackcurrant, honey, and subtle tobacco45
Odor and Key Features
Fruity Notes: Reminiscent of ripe apples, berries, plums, and blackcurrant
Floral Nuances: Delicate rose undertones add complexity
Earthy/Tobacco Hints: Warm, slightly woody and tobacco-like, ideal for oriental and woody fragrances145
Applications
Perfumery: Beta-damascone is used as a heart or base note, providing richness, longevity, and a natural, modern-fruity-floral signature. It is especially prized in rose, floral, woody, herbal, aldehydic, and fruity perfumes, and blends well with moss, rose, and citrus notes145.
Cosmetics: Enhances the fragrance profile of lotions, shampoos, and creams4.
Flavor Industry: Occasionally used in trace amounts to impart fruity nuances in flavor formulations4.
Usage and Blending
Due to its intensity, beta-damascone is typically used at very low concentrations (often below 0.1%) in fragrance formulations. It is highly effective at enhancing the balance and harmony of a blend, especially when paired with rose absolutes, citrus, or woody accords45.
Safety and Handling
Regulatory: Usage is regulated by IFRA guidelines, particularly for skin-contact products, to ensure consumer safety4.
Precautions: Should be handled with care, as high concentrations may cause skin sensitivity. Store in a cool, dry, and dark environment, ideally below 8°C, to preserve quality6.
Summary Table
| Property | Value/Description |
|---|---|
| CAS Number | 23726-91-2 |
| Molecular Formula | C₁₃H₁₈O / C₁₃H₂₀O |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | Fruity, floral, rose, tobacco |
| Main Applications | Perfumery, cosmetics, flavorings |
| Typical Usage Level | <0.1% in formulations |
| Storage | Cool, dry, dark place (<8°C) |
| Regulatory | IFRA usage limits apply |
Beta Damascone is a cornerstone of contemporary fragrance chemistry, celebrated for its ability to impart depth, complexity, and a natural fruity-floral character to a wide array of perfumes and scented products