Javanol (CAS 198404-98-7) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Javanol
CAS 198404-98-7
What Is Javanol?
Javanol is a synthetic sandalwood fragrance ingredient developed by Givaudan. It’s found in premium perfumes, body care products, and fabric softeners. This luxurious molecule mimics natural sandalwood but with enhanced performance. Its importance stems from sustainability – providing sandalwood’s iconic creamy-woody scent without depleting endangered natural resources.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFE
What Does Javanol Smell Like?
Javanol unfolds like liquid velvet – a radiant burst of creamy sandalwood with lactonic undertones that evoke warm milk swirling in polished teak. The initial sharpness mellows into a plush woody embrace, with lingering coconut-like sweetness that persists on skin for days. Unlike natural sandalwood oils, it maintains remarkable clarity without resinous thickness.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Javanol’s durability amplifies the fragrance’s signature cedar-sandalwood accord, creating the cult ‘pickle juice’ effect that lasts through showers.
Used sparingly to ground the ethereal amber-saffron notes with a velvety woody foundation.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC1(CO)CC1CC1CC2CC2(C)C1(C)C
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Javanol is a captive synthetic molecule (2-methyl-4-(2,2,3-trimethylcyclopent-3-en-1-yl)butan-1-ol) developed through terpene chemistry. Its structure mimics key odorants in Santalum album while eliminating variability. The synthesis involves cyclization of terpene precursors followed by selective hydrogenation. The molecule’s ten-carbon skeleton and hydroxyl group create optimal volatility and substantivity.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | ~300°C (estimated) |
| Flash Point | >100°C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | 0.5-5% | Provides long-lasting woody signature |
| Fabric Care | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Survives washing cycles |
Classic Accords
+ Vanillin = Creamy gourmand
Tip: Use below 5% to avoid overwhelming compositions with its tenacious woody character.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More affordable sandalwood substitute with sharper initial profile but less creaminess.
Softer, more powdery alternative when subtle woodiness is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
Not restricted under any IFRA standard (2023).
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use up to 5.4% in fine fragrances.
Sustainability
As a synthetic, Javanol reduces pressure on endangered Indian sandalwood (Santalum album). Its production requires no agricultural land and generates consistent quality. Givaudan’s manufacturing process has been optimized for reduced solvent use and energy consumption.
Explore Javanol
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
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Industry & Science Data
References
- Givaudan Patent WO2001070695 Original synthesis
- Bickers et al. (2005) Food Chem Toxicol Safety assessment
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID8051837
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 222.372 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.949 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 265.425 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 109.679 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 136 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.509 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 224.494 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.8 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 4.186 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.186 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 9.23 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.011 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Surface Tension | 37.437 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 | 3 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 67.022 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 26.569 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.
