Nirvanolide (CAS 57345-19-4) — Musky Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Nirvanolide
CAS 57345-19-4
What Is Nirvanolide?
Nirvanolide is a synthetic musk compound used in modern perfumery. You’ll encounter it in luxury fragrances, fabric softeners, and personal care products where it provides long-lasting warmth. This ingredient matters because it offers a clean, skin-like musk without animalic notes, making it versatile for gender-neutral formulations and sustainable alternatives to traditional musks.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Nirvanolide Smell Like?
Nirvanolide unfolds as a velvety musk with crystalline purity—imagine fresh linen warmed by bare skin. Unlike animalic musks, it presents as a polished accord of clean cotton and soft suede. The dry-down reveals subtle powdery facets reminiscent of cosmetic talc, with a whisper of warm amber that lingers for days on fabric. Its diffusion is intimate rather than projecting, creating a scent bubble that feels like a second skin.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Showcases Nirvanolide solo—a minimalist musk that evolves from crisp to creamy. The single-note approach highlights its unique ability to smell different on various skin types.
Uses Nirvanolide as the musk backbone, blending with ambroxan for a ‘your skin but better’ effect. The synthetic musk adapts to individual body chemistry.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CC12CCC3C(CO1)(CCC1C(C)(C)CCCC31C)O2
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Nirvanolide belongs to the macrocyclic lactone class, structurally related to natural musks but with enhanced stability. Its synthesis typically involves ring-closing metathesis of long-chain dienes followed by hydrogenation. The molecule’s rigidity contributes to its tenacity, while the ester group provides subtle sweetness. Unlike polycyclic musks, it shows minimal environmental persistence due to ester hydrolysis pathways.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | White crystalline powder |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, insoluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Provides musky foundation |
| Fabric Care | 0.5-1% | Up to 2% | Lingers on textiles |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with ionones to soften the musk for floral compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
A more affordable macrocyclic musk with similar clean profile but less tenacity. Suitable for high-volume applications.
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
No restrictions under IFRA 51st Amendment. Classified as non-sensitizing.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels with good margins of safety.
Sustainability
As a synthetic musk, Nirvanolide avoids the ecological impact of animal-derived musks. Production uses green chemistry principles with >80% atom economy. Biodegradation studies show complete breakdown in wastewater treatment systems.
Explore Nirvanolide
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
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References
- IFRA Standards Library (2023). Nirvanolide Safety Assessment. IFRA
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID3041538
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 278.436 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 1.11 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 357 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | 117 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 169 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.521 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 265.036 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 5.9 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 5.396 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 5.396 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 8.03 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Surface Tension | 37.414 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 114.749 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 18.46 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 80.691 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 31.989 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.
