EXALTOLIDE® TOTAL 935985 Firmenich – musky note (Musky macrocyclic musk note)

Olfactory profile and description:

• Aromatic profile: Extremely fine, elegant, and natural musk. Characterized by powdery, soft, slightly animalic, and sweet-green notes (“soft, powdery, sweet, animal”).
• Contribution to the fragrance: Gives depth, roundness and synergy to the bouquet; sensual effect on the skin
• Duration: It lasts over 400 hours on the scent strip and maintains a high persistence.

Technical specifications:

• CAS / IUPAC Name: 106‑02‑5 / Oxacyclohexadecan‑2‑one (Pentadecalactone)

• Molecular formula / Molar weight: C₁₅H₂₈O₂, ~240 g/mol

• Vapor pressure: ~0.00003 Pa at 20 °C

• Flash point: ~180 °C

• Biodegradability and sustainability: Product obtained with green and biodegradable chemistry

Applications and dosage:

Main use: Base note / sensory fixative for perfumes, cosmetics, detergents, candles .

Recommended levels:

• Perfumery: 0.5–5% (often <1%) .
• Cosmetics & detergents: average/maximum values ​​between ~0.00018–0.073% (fragrances), ~0.00009–0.058% (shower gels, soaps), etc.

Effect on the skin: Enhances the skin's sensuality, improves the usability of the perfume

Historical and cosmetic context:

History: Derived from pentadecalactone, a natural macrolide isolated in 1927; Firmenich has produced it as Exaltolide® since 1930.

Perfumer's Reference: Defined as one of the “cleanest” synthetic musks, with minimal side notes

Benefits of using:

• Natural musk with a powdery roundness and clean animalic nuances.
• Excellent fixative at low concentrations, guarantees roundness and texture.
• High persistence and versatility in many formulas (oriental, woody, skin scents).
• Produced by Firmenich.

Main features:

• Profile: musky, dusty, delicately animalic, warm
• Use: base note and fixative
• Persistence: >400 h on mouillette
• Formula: C₁₅H₂₈O₂, CAS 106‑02‑5
• Solubility: in oils and alcohols
• Typical dosage: 0.5–5% in perfumes, traces in cosmetics/detergents
• Technologies: green chemistry, biodegradable, Kosher/Halal/FEMA/IFRA/REACH certifications

Ideal for:
Fine perfumes, aromatic bases, body products, cleansers, refined candles.