Matsutakeol: A High-Impact Earthy Herbal Molecule Shaping Modern Aromatic Perfumery

Abstract

Matsutakeol (Oct-1-en-3-ol) is a high-impact, nature-identical aroma chemical characterized by a distinctive earthy–herbal–lavender profile. Found naturally in lavender, peppermint, clary sage, and mushrooms, the material plays an essential role in reconstituting natural essential oils—particularly lavandin—and in building herbaceous–lavandaceous fragrance compositions. Although its substantivity on skin and fabric is low, Matsutakeol exhibits strong diffusion and immediate olfactory presence, making it valuable in top and heart notes. This article presents a comprehensive technical, olfactory, and application-focused overview of Matsutakeol for perfumers, researchers, and professionals in the fragrance industry.

1. Introduction to Matsutakeol

Aroma chemicals with strong natural signatures are essential tools in perfumery, enabling the recreation and enhancement of botanical profiles with precision. Among these materials, Matsutakeol stands out as a potent contributor to green–aromatic and earthy facets. Its hybrid sensory character—part plant-like freshness, part moist earthiness—positions it uniquely between herbal aromatics and fungal/soil nuances.

This multifunctional character makes Matsutakeol an invaluable building block in modern fragrance design, particularly in compositions that aim to express authenticity, naturality, and raw botanical energy.

2. Chemical Identity and Physical Properties

2.1 Chemical Identity

• Chemical Name: Oct-1-en-3-ol

• Synonyms:

  • Amyl Vinyl Carbinol

  • 3-Hydroxy-1-octene

• CAS Number: 3391-86-4

• FEMA/GRAS: 2805

• Molecular Formula: C₈H₁₆O

• Molecular Weight: 128.22 g/mol

• CLogP: 2.60 (moderately lipophilic)

2.2 Physical Data

• Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid

• Flash Point: 69°C

• Purity (GC): ≥ 98%

• Vapor Pressure: 31.70 Pa at 25°C

Its moderate vapor pressure contributes to rapid diffusion and noticeable top-to-heart note performance.

3. Olfactory Profile

3.1 Sensory Description

Matsutakeol possesses a multifaceted olfactory character described by the following key attributes:

• Earthy

• Herbal

• Floral

• Lavender-like

• Mushroom/forest-floor nuance

The balance between herbal freshness and earthy dampness gives the material a highly naturalistic effect, reminiscent of freshly crushed lavender stems, green foliage, and moist soil.

3.2 Olfactory Behavior

• Olfactory Strength: High Impact

• Diffusivity: Strongly diffusive

• Substantivity: Poor on skin, fabric, hair

• Tenacity on Blotter: > 8 hours (no persistence beyond the first day)

• Volatility Class: Top / early heart

This behavior makes the molecule ideal for creating an initial burst of natural-green energy that transitions gracefully into the heart of the composition.

4. Occurrence in Nature

Matsutakeol is naturally found in:

• Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita)

• Clary sage (Salvia sclarea)

• Mushrooms (various species)

Its presence in both aromatic herbs and fungi explains the harmonic interplay of herbal, floral, and earthy facets in its odor profile.

5. Stability in Formulations

Matsutakeol shows varying degrees of chemical stability across product categories:

Application	Stability
Fine Fragrance	Good
Fabric Softener (pH 3)	Good
Antiperspirant (pH 3.5)	Good
Toiletries (pH 6)	Good
Liquid Detergent (pH 9)	Fair
Soap (pH 10)	Good
Powder Detergent (pH 11)	Fair
Bleach (pH 14)	Poor

Interpretation:The molecule performs best in acidic to neutral systems and is unsuitable for highly alkaline or oxidizing environments.

6. Substantivity and Performance on Substrates

Substrate	Substantivity
Skin	Poor
Dry Fabric	Poor
Wet Fabric	Poor
Hair	Poor

Despite low substantivity, its strong diffusivity makes it an effective tool for shaping top-note identity and naturalness.

7. Applications in Perfumery

7.1 Essential Oil Reconstitution

One of its primary uses is the reconstitution and enhancement of:

• Lavandin essential oil

• Lavender-type accords

• Green–herbal natural extracts

Matsutakeol provides realism, botanical freshness, and green depth.

7.2 Fragrance Families and Accords

Matsutakeol contributes effectively to:

• Herbaceous accords

• Lavandaceous / aromatic fougère

• Green floral

• Chypre (green / aromatic variations)

• Woodland and forest accords

• Mushroom/earthy niche compositions

Its earthy-green character is especially valuable in natural-style perfumery, where recreating the scent of real plants and soil is essential.

7.3 Typical Use Levels

• < 1% (common)

• A little goes a long way; overuse can make a formula excessively earthy or green.

8. Functional Behavior and Perfumery Considerations

8.1 Modulation in Compositions

Matsutakeol pairs particularly well with:

• Lavender, lavandin, clary sage

• Green leafy materials (cis-3-hexenol, stemone)

• Earthy molecules (geosmin, mushroom alcohols)

• Herbal aromatics (thyme, rosemary, sage)

• Woody notes (cedarwood fractions, vetiver, oakmoss replacers)

8.2 Role in Modern Natural-Style Perfumery

With increasing consumer demand for authenticity and nature-inspired profiles, Matsutakeol provides:

• A naturalistic green lift

• A connecting bridge between herbal and earthy facets

• A signature enhancement for lavender-based fragrances

• A botanical realism that is difficult to achieve with other materials

9. Safety and Handling

• Avoid exposure to high pH and strong oxidizers.

• Standard aroma chemical handling guidelines apply.

• Non-readily biodegradable (<50%).

• Flammable liquid (Flash Point 69°C).

10. Conclusion

Matsutakeol is a high-impact, versatile, and nature-identical aroma material that bridges the gap between herbal freshness and earthy authenticity. Although its substantivity is low, its intense diffusion and botanical realism make it indispensable in the construction of lavender, green-aromatic, and forest-inspired accords.

Its ability to enhance natural extracts—particularly lavandin—has made it a staple in modern perfumery, especially in natural-style and niche compositions. Used judiciously (typically below 1%), Matsutakeol imparts vitality, naturalness, and a recognizably organic dimension to the opening and heart of fragrances.

This article was researched and written by Galbora.

Use of this content is permitted when citing the source.

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