Karanal (CAS 79152-42-4) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Karanal
CAS 79152-42-4
What Is Karanal?
Karanal is a synthetic woody fragrance ingredient used in premium perfumes and home fragrances. It’s found in high-end scents where long-lasting woody depth is desired. This molecule matters because it provides exceptional tenacity and diffusion, creating a modern interpretation of classic woody accords without relying on natural sandalwood resources.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Karanal Smell Like?
Karanal unfolds as a radiant woody symphony – imagine polished mahogany drenched in golden sunlight. The opening carries subtle metallic facets like cold steel warming against skin, evolving into a heart of creamy sandalwood illusions with whisper-clean laundry undertones. The dry-down reveals its true genius: an expansive, velvety woodiness that persists for days on blotters, with faint ambery sweetness and mineralic freshness that prevents heaviness. Unlike traditional woods, it maintains crystalline clarity even at high concentrations.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Karanal provides the luminous woody backbone, blending with iris and honey to create Dior’s signature ‘woody powder’ effect. Its persistence allows the delicate top notes to shine without getting lost.
Used alongside synthetic sandalwood notes to amplify longevity and add a contemporary ‘clean wood’ dimension that distinguishes this cult fragrance from traditional sandalwood compositions.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Karanal belongs to the norpatchoulenol chemical class, structurally related to sesquiterpenoids found in sandalwood oil. As a synthetic material, it’s produced through controlled oxidation and rearrangement reactions of patchoulol derivatives. The molecule’s rigid bicyclic structure contributes to its exceptional tenacity, while oxygen-containing functional groups provide diffusion and lift. Unlike natural sandalwood constituents, Karanal lacks chiral centers, ensuring consistent olfactory performance batch-to-batch.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | IFRA restricted – check current guidelines |
| Home Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Provides long-lasting woody diffusion |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use Karanal to extend and modernize natural sandalwood notes – start at 0.2% and increase gradually as it amplifies dramatically in the dry-down.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When a more natural sandalwood character is needed. Polysantol offers similar tenacity with less metallic sharpness, though it lacks Karanal’s distinctive clean-laundry facet.
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
Restricted under IFRA 49th Amendment – maximum 3.5% in fine fragrances due to potential sensitization at higher concentrations.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment completed with usage guidelines established – not classified as a skin sensitizer at approved levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, Karanal reduces pressure on endangered sandalwood forests. Its high potency means minimal quantities are needed per formulation. Production involves controlled chemical processes with waste stream management, though some petrochemical feedstocks are used. Preferred over natural sandalwood for consistent supply and predictable environmental impact.
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References
- IFRA Standards (2021). 49th Amendment Restricted Materials List. IFRA Official
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
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