l-Muscone: The Powdery, Animalic Musk Note in Perfume Formulation

l-Muscone: The Powdery, Animalic Musk Note in Perfume Formulation

l-Muscone is a key ingredient in the fragrance industry, known for its powdery, animalic, and sweet musk notes. Found naturally in the glandular secretions of the male musk deer, it is now widely used in perfumery as a nature-identical substitute, offering elegant warmth and a musky depth to many fragrances. This compound, often used in very low concentrations, delivers high impact and plays a crucial role in enhancing fragrance formulations.

Olfactory Profile of l-Muscone

l-Muscone is most known for its musky, powdery, and animalic qualities, with a slight sweetness that adds complexity and warmth to fragrances. This ingredient imparts a musk note that can round out the base of both masculine and feminine perfumes, giving them a refined and luxurious feel. The musky and powdery undertones also make it an essential component in many oriental and floriental fragrances.

Chemical Structure and Molecular Composition of l-Muscone

• Chemical Name: (R)-3-Methylcyclopentadecanone

• Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₀O

Despite being synthetically produced today, l-Muscone mirrors the naturally occurring musk compounds in terms of scent profile and performance. Its chemical structure allows it to provide a rich, musky presence without the ethical concerns or volatility associated with animal-derived musks.

Natural Occurrence of l-Muscone

In nature, l-Muscone is primarily found in the musk glands of the male musk deer (Moschus moschiferus) and is one of the key aromatic components of their secretion. Historically, musk was harvested from these animals, but with modern synthetic production methods, l-Muscone now serves as a sustainable alternative, allowing perfumers to recreate the essence of natural musk without relying on animal-derived materials.

Stability and Performance in Various Formulations

l-Muscone is known for its excellent stability across a variety of applications. Whether in fine fragrances, fabric softeners, or antiperspirants, l-Muscone remains stable and retains its musky character over time. It performs well in products with different pH levels:

• Fine Fragrance: Good

• Fabric Softener (pH3): Good

• Antiperspirants (pH3.5): Good

• Toiletry Applications (pH6): Good

• Liquid Detergent (pH9): Good

• Soap (pH10): Good

• Powder Detergent (pH11): Good

• Bleach (pH14): Fair

Additionally, it has good substantivity, meaning it remains effective on skin, dry fabric, wet fabric, and hair.

Diffusion and Tenacity of l-Muscone

l-Muscone has moderate diffusion characteristics, meaning it spreads well in the air but is not overly volatile. The tenacity on blotter (how long it lasts on a scent strip) is relatively short, lasting less than a week. However, this doesn't diminish its importance in fragrance formulations, as it still provides a lasting base note.

Typical Usage Level and Impact in Fragrances

The typical usage level of l-Muscone in fragrance formulations is very low, usually between trace amounts to 2%. Despite its low concentration, it makes a significant impact on the final scent, adding a deep musky warmth and richness. This low dosage requirement is one of the reasons why it is so widely used in the fragrance industry.

Technical Data of l-Muscone

• Flash Point: 166ºC

• GC Purity: 99% min. as Muscone

• CAS Number: 541-91-3 / 10403-00-6

• FEMA/GRAS No.: 3434

• CLogP: 5.96

• Optical Rotation: -12.0º to -9.0º

• Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid

• Molecular Weight: 238.42

• Vapor Pressure: 0.06 Pa at 25ºC

Conclusion: Why l-Muscone is Essential in Perfumery

l-Muscone is a versatile and essential ingredient in modern perfumery, known for its ability to bring rich, musky, and powdery notes to a fragrance. Its stable chemical structure, low usage levels, and excellent performance across various applications make it an indispensable component in the creation of long-lasting and elegant perfumes. Whether used in luxury fine fragrances or functional products like deodorants and fabric softeners, l-Muscone continues to play a vital role in the perfume industry.

By offering a natural-like musk note without the ethical concerns of animal sourcing, l-Muscone has solidified its place as a sustainable and high-performance material in the fragrance world.

This article was researched and written by Galbora.

Use of this content is permitted when citing the source.

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