10-Oxahexadecanolide (CAS 1725-01-05) — Sweet Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
10-Oxahexadecanolide
CAS 1725-01-05
What Is 10-Oxahexadecanolide?
10-Oxahexadecanolide is a synthetic musk used in modern fragrances. It provides a clean, laundry-like scent with subtle floral undertones. Consumers encounter it in fabric softeners, detergents, and long-lasting perfumes. This ingredient matters because it offers superior stability and persistence compared to traditional musks, making it valuable for creating enduring scent profiles in household and personal care products.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 10-Oxahexadecanolide Smell Like?
10-Oxahexadecanolide delivers a crisp, clean musk with a soft floral sweetness. Imagine freshly laundered linen drying in a spring breeze, with a hint of white flowers. The scent evolves subtly, maintaining its clean character while revealing a faint powdery undertone over time. It lacks the animalic depth of traditional musks, offering instead a modern, airy quality that blends seamlessly with other notes.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
10-Oxahexadecanolide is a macrocyclic lactone, part of the synthetic musk family. Its structure features a 16-membered ring with an oxygen atom replacing one carbon, enhancing stability and olfactory properties. It is synthesized through ring-closing metathesis or lactonization of hydroxy acids. This compound lacks chirality, simplifying industrial production. Its synthetic nature ensures consistency and avoids the variability of natural musk sources.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | N/A |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | N/A |
| Flash Point | N/A |
| Density | N/A |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Provides long-lasting musk foundation |
| Household Products | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Enhances clean scent perception |
| Detergents | 0.1-1% | Up to 3% | Boosts freshness longevity |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to extend the life of top notes while maintaining a clean profile.
Alternatives & Comparisons
A more potent synthetic musk with similar clean characteristics but stronger projection.
Another synthetic musk option with a slightly sweeter, more floral profile.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions currently apply to 10-Oxahexadecanolide.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has reviewed this compound and found it safe for current usage levels in fragrances.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 10-Oxahexadecanolide avoids the ethical and ecological concerns associated with natural musk sourcing. Its production can be optimized for minimal waste, and it does not rely on endangered species. However, like all synthetic musks, its environmental persistence should be monitored.
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References
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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