Terrasol ® FCC (BRI)
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Terrasol FCC is a synthetic fragrance material developed by Bedoukian Research Inc., designed to evoke the highly realistic scent of wet earth after light rain. Structurally classified as a tricyclic tertiary alcohol, it delivers a humid, earthy, and mineral profile with exceptional diffusion and olfactory fidelity. Terrasol excels in compositions that require patchouli-like grounding, geosminic depth, or a rain accord effect, making it indispensable in modern woody, floral, or atmospheric fragrances.
Its unique structure and high purity (FCC grade) allow its use in demanding formulations, including oxidizing systems.
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Terrasol FCC is a synthetic fragrance material developed by Bedoukian Research Inc., designed to evoke the highly realistic scent of wet earth after light rain. Structurally classified as a tricyclic tertiary alcohol, it delivers a humid, earthy, and mineral profile with exceptional diffusion and olfactory fidelity. Terrasol excels in compositions that require patchouli-like grounding, geosminic depth, or a rain accord effect, making it indispensable in modern woody, floral, or atmospheric fragrances.
Its unique structure and high purity (FCC grade) allow its use in demanding formulations, including oxidizing systems.
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Terrasol FCC is a synthetic fragrance material developed by Bedoukian Research Inc., designed to evoke the highly realistic scent of wet earth after light rain. Structurally classified as a tricyclic tertiary alcohol, it delivers a humid, earthy, and mineral profile with exceptional diffusion and olfactory fidelity. Terrasol excels in compositions that require patchouli-like grounding, geosminic depth, or a rain accord effect, making it indispensable in modern woody, floral, or atmospheric fragrances.
Its unique structure and high purity (FCC grade) allow its use in demanding formulations, including oxidizing systems.
Synthetic Ingredient Overview
🏭 Manufacturer: Bedoukian Research Inc.
🔎 IUPAC Name: 2-Ethyl-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol
🧪 Synonyms: Terrasol FCC, 2-Ethyl Fenchol, 2-Ethyl Norbornanol
🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₂₂O
📂 CAS N°: 18368-91-7
📘 FEMA: 3491
⚖️ Molecular Weight: 182.30 g/mol
📝 Odor Type: Earthy-Green
📈 Odor Strength: Medium to high / very diffusive
👃🏼 Odor Profile: Humid soil, rainy earth, patchouli, wet moss, faint pine nuance
⚗️ Primary Uses: Earthy base booster, patchouli-vetiver enhancer, rain accord builder
🧴 Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
What is Terrasol?
Terrasol FCC is the FCC-grade form of 2-Ethyl Fenchol, a highly diffusive synthetic alcohol belonging to the fenchyl alcohol family. It possesses a rigid tricyclic structure that contributes to its long-lasting earthy-mineral signature, often described as astonishingly true-to-nature.
While older descriptions occasionally refer to an “ambergris” nuance, its primary value lies in its wet-earth, mineral-patchouli effect. The material performs well as a standalone note or in tandem with other earthy, rooty, or green molecules like vetiverol, geosmin, or moss derivatives.
Olfactory Profile and Perfumery Applications
Terrasol is unique in offering a realistic wet-soil signature that functions in both artistic and functional perfumery. Its scent is immediately recognizable as humid, rain-soaked earth, and it integrates exceptionally well in:
Rain/atmospheric accords: Core element in stormy, petrichor, or vegetal-earthy effects
Patchouli and vetiver enhancers: Boosts the naturality and realism of rooty facets
Orientals and fougères: Adds complexity to moss, oakwood, or ambery blends
Modern florals and aquatic bases: Brings grounding contrast to transparent top notes
Functional perfumery: Used for its stability in oxidizing environments (e.g., bleach systems)
Flavor Profile and Use
Flavor Profile: Green, woody-rosy, earthy
Use Level in Flavorings: 0.1–10 ppm
Application: Enhances berry flavors (especially raspberry, blackberry) with subtle earthy-rosy nuance
Regulatory Status: FEMA 3491 – approved for limited food use
Regulatory and Safety Overview
IFRA: Compliant within standard use levels; not subject to IFRA restrictions as of the 51st Amendment
EU Allergens: Not included among the 26 mandatory declarable substances
FEMA GRAS: FEMA 3491 – approved for flavor use under controlled conditions
ECHA (REACH): Registered and not classified as hazardous
Toxicology: Low toxicity; not classified as sensitizer or respiratory hazard
Environmental Profile: Not classified as PBT or vPvB
✅ Safe for use in both fragrance and food applications when dosed appropriately.
Sources
Bedoukian Research Inc. – Product Code 818, Terrasol FCC
FEMA GRAS Database – Entry 3491
ECHA Substance Information – CAS 18368-91-7
Fulvio Ciccolo, Scentspiracy Field Evaluation (2021)
Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, S. Arctander
Internal Rain Accord Study – Scentspiracy Creative Archive
