Karanal

Synthetic Ingredient Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer: Givaudan

• 🔎 Chemical Name: 2-(2,4-Dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-methyl-5-(1-methylpropyl)-1,3-dioxane

• 🧪 Synonyms: Karanal

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₇H₃₀O₂

• 📂 CAS N°: 117933-89-8

• 📘 FEMA: Not applicable

• ⚖️ MW: 266 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type: Dry Amber

• 📈 Odor Strength: Very High (Trace to 2% use level)

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Radiant, woody-ambery with dry warmth and fruity top nuances (e.g., watermelon)

• ⚗️ Uses: Core note in ambery bases, used in perfumery, haircare, detergents, and fabric conditioners

• 🧴 Appearance: Colorless liquid

What is Karanal?

Karanal is a powerful polycyclic acetal belonging to the family of synthetic amber notes. Developed in 1987 by Karen J. Rossiter at Quest International (acquired by Givaudan in 2005), Karanal’s structure is the result of acetalization of 2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde with a branched diol. Its IUPAC name reflects this complexity: 2-(2,4-dimethyl-3-cyclohexen-1-yl)-5-methyl-5-(1-methylpropyl)-1,3-dioxane.

Karanal was engineered for maximum tenacity and bloom performance, particularly in high-alkaline and surfactant-rich environments such as soaps and cleaners. It became essential in the construction of dry woody-amber accords, with minimal sweetness compared to other amber ketones.

Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications

Karanal exhibits a dry, radiant amber character with considerable tenacity—lasting several months on blotter. Despite its synthetic nature, it can evoke a perceived naturalness in woody bases. It synergizes well with:

• Iso E Super®, Ambermax®, Vertofix Coeur

• Cedarwood molecules, lactones, and fruity top notes

• Bourgeonal, Methyl Cedryl Ketone, and musks

It is particularly suitable for:

• Woody-Ambry Fine Fragrances

• Soaps and Powder Detergents (10–10.5 pH stability)

• Shampoos and Fabric Conditioners

• Long-lasting masculine compositions

Concentration guidelines: Recommended usage between traces and 2%, depending on formulation type.

Functional & Industrial Performance

According to internal Givaudan documentation, Karanal offers:

• Good burning performance in incense and candles

• Excellent substantivity on dry and damp fabric

• Good bloom effect in soaps and fabric conditioners

• Robust pH stability from acidic (pH 2) to alkaline (pH 11), with mild odor degradation only in bleach

Stability Ratings:

• Acid Cleaner (pH 2): Good

• Shampoo (pH 6): Good

• APC Cleaner (pH 9): Good

• Soap (pH 10): Good

• Liquid Bleach (pH 11): Moderate

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• IFRA Compliance: Subject to usage level restrictions in accordance with the IFRA 51st Amendment for sensitizing potential.

• ECHA Registration: Fully registered. Substance Infocard and REACH dossier available.

• Sensitization/Toxicity: Not classified as CMR, but stability and volatility suggest caution in formulations where iron ions or photo-degradation could occur.

• Substitution Monitoring: As of 2023, included in fragrance house discussions regarding sustainability and future regulatory reevaluation.

Market Withdrawal & Substitution Note

As discussed in our feature article Goodbye Karanal, Givaudan has confirmed progressive phasing out of Karanal from internal use due to evolving regulatory, environmental, and olfactory trends. Though not currently banned, formulators are encouraged to seek substitutes such as Ambermax, Norlimbanol, or Sylvamber, especially for new global launches in high pH formulations or leave-on products.

Important: Existing formulations containing Karanal may remain compliant if concentration and product type respect current IFRA standards. Transitioning to more biodegradable analogues is encouraged.

Additional Information

• Vapor Pressure: 0.0009 hPa at 25 °C → Low volatility, excellent diffusion

• LogP (Pow): 5.2 → Lipophilic, adheres well to surfaces/fibers

• Flavor Use: Not permitted; non-GRAS, no FEMA usage

Notable Creator: Karen J. Rossiter (b. 1964, Ashford, Kent), a key figure in 1980s perfumery chemistry.

Sources

• Givaudan TDS – Karanal

• ECHA Substance Infocard: 117933-89-8

• Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry

• Kurt Bauer, Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials

• Scentspiracy Archives: Goodbye Karanal (2023)

• Triller et al., Chemistry & Biodiversity (2008)

• Fulvio Ciccolo, Ingredient Notes, 2022