cis-alpha-Santalol (CAS 115-71-9) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
cis-alpha-Santalol
CAS 115-71-9
What Is cis-alpha-Santalol?
cis-alpha-Santalol is a prized sandalwood aroma molecule used in luxury perfumes and personal care products. It creates the creamy, woody warmth characteristic of high-end sandalwood fragrances. This synthetic version replicates the scent of endangered natural sandalwood oil, making sustainable perfumery possible while preserving forests.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does cis-alpha-Santalol Smell Like?
A velvety embrace of rich, buttery wood with lactonic undertones that bloom like warm candle wax. Opens with a peppery spark before settling into its signature creamy sandalwood heart, where milky nuances intertwine with dry cedar-like facets. The dry-down lingers for hours as a skin-hugging woody musk, revealing subtle coconut and vanilla sweetness. More diffusive than natural sandalwood oil, with cleaner lines and less resinous baggage.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
The synthetic sandalwood backbone creates the perfume’s iconic pencil shavings effect, blending with cardamom and violet for a modern woody unisex signature.
Used alongside natural sandalwood to extend longevity while maintaining authenticity, adding creaminess to the cedar-dominated woody accord.
Provides the smooth woody base that carries the cinnamon and rose, creating a velvety contrast to the spicy top notes.
Amplifies the sensual, skin-like quality of the composition, blending with spices and amber to create a warm, intimate dry-down.
Featured as the sole ingredient in this minimalist fragrance, showcasing its complex woody-lactonic character when worn alone.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: [H][C@@]12CC3C[C@@H]1C2(C)[C@]3(C)CC\C=C(\C)CO
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
cis-alpha-Santalol belongs to the sesquiterpene alcohol class, structurally related to natural santalols found in Santalum album oil. Modern synthesis typically involves cyclization of appropriate terpene precursors followed by stereoselective reduction to achieve the desired cis configuration. The synthetic route allows for consistent quality control absent in natural sandalwood oil, where alpha-santalol content varies with tree age and origin. Chirality is crucial – the cis isomer delivers the characteristic creamy sandalwood note while the trans isomer presents sharper, more camphoraceous qualities.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 302-304 °C |
| Density | 0.97 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.504-1.508 |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 2-5% | Up to 10% | Foundation for woody accords |
| Personal Care | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Skin-smoothing woody note |
| Functional Products | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Fabric softener woody fixative |
| Candles/Diffusers | 3-7% | Up to 12% | Long-lasting woody warmth |
Classic Accords
Tip: Blend with ionones to create sandalwood-violet effects or with ethyl maltol for enhanced creaminess.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More potent synthetic sandalwood with cleaner lines and better diffusion at lower concentrations, though less lactonic richness.
Woodier alternative with less creaminess but excellent tenacity, useful for masculine sandalwood accords.
Cost-effective sandalwood substitute with softer profile, suitable for functional products requiring modest sandalwood character.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA 51st Amendment. Maximum recommended use level 10% in leave-on products.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed in EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III allergen declaration requirements.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels with margin of safety for all product types.
Sustainability
Synthetic production eliminates pressure on endangered sandalwood forests while providing consistent quality. Most commercial material is now produced via green chemistry routes with >80% atom economy. Biodegradation studies show 85% breakdown in 28 days under OECD 301 guidelines.
Explore cis-alpha-Santalol
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Baldovini et al. (2011). Phytochemistry of the heartwood from fragrant Santalum species. Phytochemistry. PMID 21596404
- IFRA Standards Library (2022). 51st Amendment Restricted Materials List. IFRA Standards
- Sell, C. (2019). The Chemistry of Fragrances. Royal Society of Chemistry.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID9051587
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 220.356 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.974 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 301.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 119.015 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 138.6 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.538 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 213.926 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.157 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 4.157 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.157 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 9.03 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.001 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 38.312 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 20.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 4 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 66.903 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 26.522 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
![1-Naphthalenesulfonic acid, 4-hydroxy-3-[2-(4-sulfo-1-naphthalenyl)diazenyl]-, sodium salt (1:2) (CAS 3567-69-9) — Citrus N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient](https://thegoodscents.company/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/1-naphthalenesulfonic-acid-4-hydroxy-3-2-1-1-768x439.webp)
