Champaca absolute (CAS 8006-76-6) — Floral Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient

Floral · Sweet

Champaca absolute

CAS 8006-76-6

Origin
natural
Note
Heart
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Champaca absolute?

Champaca absolute is a luxurious floral extract from the golden-yellow blossoms of the Michelia champaca tree, native to Southeast Asia. It’s prized in high-end perfumery and traditional incense. This rare ingredient matters because it offers an unparalleled tropical floral character – more complex than jasmine yet more delicate than ylang-ylang, making it a coveted ‘secret weapon’ for perfumers crafting opulent floral compositions.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No major restrictions
Potential skin sensitivity at high concentrations
CAS
8006-76-6
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Floral · Sweet
Key Constituents
Linalool
Linalool
Methyl benzoate
Methyl benzoate
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Champaca absolute Smell Like?

Champaca absolute unfolds like a tropical sunset – initial bursts of juicy apricot and ripe banana give way to its heart: an intoxicating floral bouquet where tea roses dance with magnolia petals, all dusted with cinnamon-like spice. The dry-down reveals creamy sandalwood undertones and a lingering honeyed sweetness that lasts for hours. Unlike other tropical florals, champaca maintains an elegant transparency rather than becoming cloying, with a subtle green stemminess that keeps it fresh.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Champaca(Ormonde Jayne, 2002)

Showcases champaca’s golden floralcy paired with black hemlock for contrast – the absolute’s fruity facets are amplified by pink pepper while its creamy base melds with vetiver.

Champaca Absolute(Tom Ford, 2016)

In the Private Blend line, champaca’s tropical richness is darkened with oud and suede, transforming it into a voluptuous evening floral with animalic depth.

Samsara(Guerlain, 1989)

Uses champaca to bridge the citrus top and sandalwood base – its spicy floral notes create seamless transitions in this oriental classic.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Champaca absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of Michelia champaca flowers, yielding a complex mixture of sesquiterpenes, benzenoids, and fatty acid derivatives. Key aroma compounds include linalool, indole, and various methyl benzoate derivatives. The absolute’s characteristic fruity-floral profile arises from trace nitrogen-containing compounds rarely found in other florals. Unlike steam-distilled champaca oil, the absolute retains heavier molecules like farnesol that contribute to its exceptional tenacity.

Chemical Composition

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceViscous orange-brown liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol, fixed oils

Key Constituent Properties

ConstituentCASMWBP °CXLogPVapor P.
Linalool78-70-6154.25198°C2.70.16 mmHg
Methyl benzoate93-58-3136.15199°C1.960.3 mmHg

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Heart
Volatility
Medium (2-6 hours)
Blending
Excellent with spices, woods, and citrus
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Powerful floral modifier
Candles1-3%Up to 8%Provides exotic floral character

Classic Accords

+ Sandalwood + Vanilla = Tropical Oriental + Bergamot + Cardamom = Spiced Floral + Jasmine + Tuberose = Grand Floral

Tip: Use champaca absolute to add dimensionality to white florals – start with 0.1% and increase gradually to avoid overpowering blends.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ylang-Ylang Extra CAS 8006-81-3

More banana-like and intense; suitable when cost is a factor but lacks champaca’s spicy complexity.

2
Magnolia CO2 Extract CAS 90028-78-9

Similar floralcy with lemon nuances; better for fresh floral directions but less tenacious.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions (as of 51st Amendment).

EU Allergen Declaration

Contains linalool (≤35%) – must be declared above 0.001% in leave-on products.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment complete – safe at current use levels with no sensitization concerns.

Sustainability

Wild-harvested champaca faces sustainability challenges due to habitat loss. Ethical suppliers practice controlled cultivation in India and Thailand. Each kilogram requires ~1000kg of flowers, making it labor-intensive but renewable. Synthetic reconstructions exist but lack the absolute’s full spectrum. CO2 extracts offer a more sustainable alternative with similar olfactory profile.

Explore Champaca absolute

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References

  1. Kaiser, R. (2006). Meaningful Scents Around the World. Wiley-VCH. ISBN 3906390568
  2. EOA International Champaca Profile Industry Report

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 8006-76-6
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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