Javanol

Synthetic Ingredient Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer: Givaudan

• 🔎 Chemical Name: [(1R,2S)-1-methyl-2-[[[(1R,3S,5S)-1,2,2-trimethyl-3-bicyclo[3.1.0]hexanyl]methyl]cyclopropyl]methanol

• 🧪 Synonyms: Javanol

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₅H₂₆O

• 📂 CAS N°: 198404-98-7

• 📘 FEMA: Not listed (not for flavor use)

• ⚖️ MW: 222.37 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type: Woody (Sandalwood)

• 📈 Odor Strength: High; >400 hours on blotter

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Creamy sandalwood, rosy, woody, citric rose nuance; powerful and long-lasting

• ⚗️ Uses: Fixative, Sandalwood base, Floral/woody modifier

• 🧴 Appearance: Colorless to slightly viscous liquid

What is Javanol?

Javanol is a sandalwood-type odorant synthesized as part of Givaudan’s long-standing macrocyclic and alicyclic musk research program. Discovered by Jerzy Bajgrowicz in 1996, Javanol was designed to optimize olfactory receptor binding by mimicking the electronic shape and rigidity of natural β-santalol—the primary olfactory component of sandalwood oil.

The molecule's design substitutes the reactive double bond typically present in sandalwood analogs with a cyclopropane ring, which provides both steric bulk and electron density. This enhances binding to GPCR receptors in the olfactory epithelium, especially those coded for sandalwood perception. The result is a highly diffusive, ultra-long-lastingmaterial with creamy, woody warmth and a rose-like brightness.

Unlike natural oil, Javanol is not photolabile and offers excellent oxidative and thermal stability, making it suitable for most applications except highly reactive systems like bleach.

Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications

Javanol’s profile is complex, balancing dense creamy sandalwood with:

• Rosy-floral nuances

• Citrus-like top sparkle

• Warm woody persistence

Fragrance performance:

• One of the longest-lasting synthetic sandalwoods (400+ hours on blotter)

• Highly efficient at dosages <0.1%

• Weight-for-weight, ~8× more potent than comparable synthetics in laundry retention tests

Applications in perfumery:

• Modern sandalwood bases (replacing or supporting natural Mysore oil)

• Core of fine fragrance sandalwood structures

• Creamy depth in florals (especially rose, iris, jasmine)

• Woody-musky compositions (pairs well with musks, ambroxides)

• Radiance enhancer in trace use (0.02–0.1%) for diffusion and volume

Examples of use:

• Truth for Men (Calvin Klein)

• Chic for Men (Carolina Herrera)

• Givaudan’s own Sandalwood Givco base

Suggested internal link: See The Musks: An Insight for synergistic macrocyclic interactions.

Industrial & Technical Uses

While not flavor-approved, Javanol’s structural robustness allows it to perform across:

• Alcohol-based perfumes (EDT, EDP, extrait)

• Functional formats: soaps, creams, shampoos, body washes

• Fabric care: laundry perfumes, fabric softeners, diffusion systems

• Base creation: Woody, floral, amber bases requiring roundness and longevity

It is typically stable under UV, oxygen, and mild acid/base conditions, but not bleach-resistant due to alcohol functionality.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• IFRA Classification: Usage level up to 2% (20% in fragrance concentrate)

• ECHA Classification:

  • R36/38 – Irritating to eyes and skin

  • Not listed as CMR or PBT

• Storage/Handling:

  • S02 – Keep out of reach of children

  • S24/25 – Avoid skin/eye contact

  • S26 – Rinse immediately if eye contact occurs

  • S36 – Wear suitable protective clothing

Environmental Notes: No major concerns related to bioaccumulation or aquatic toxicity reported under normal usage.

Additional Information

• Molecular innovation: Cyclopropane-based rigidity for increased receptor binding

• Low odor threshold: Radiant even in sub-percentile doses

• Can skew overly “rosy” if overdosed; careful modulation with lactones, ambers, or other woody materials recommended

• Benchmark for modern synthetic sandalwoods—superior to older molecules like Sandela, Brahmanol, or Bacdanol in terms of strength and clarity

Not to be confused with:

• Polysantol (Firmenich – sweeter, more lactonic)

• Ebanol (Givaudan – softer, less creamy)

• Sandalore (IFF – linear, woody-spicy)

Sources

• Fulvio Ciccolo – Scentspiracy Archives

• Perfumer & Flavorist Magazine – Antoine Gaillard, Givaudan (2007)

• Givaudan internal literature & Javanol datasheet

• TGSC Information System

• PubChem Compound Summary – CID 22096564

• NCBI & ECHA Substance Info