Norlimbanol (CAS 70788-30-6) — Woody Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Norlimbanol
CAS 70788-30-6
What Is Norlimbanol?
Norlimbanol is a synthetic woody aroma chemical used in perfumery to add depth and longevity. It’s found in many modern fragrances, particularly those marketed as ‘amber woody’ or ‘musk woody’. This ingredient matters because it provides a clean, dry cedarwood-like scent that enhances other woody materials without being overpowering.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Norlimbanol Smell Like?
Norlimbanol opens with a crisp, almost metallic cedar character that quickly settles into a refined woody heart. Imagine freshly planed blonde wood with a faintly smoky edge. As it dries down, it reveals remarkable tenacity – like the lingering scent of a high-quality wooden drawer long after the contents are removed. Its dry, slightly ambery undertone makes it particularly versatile in modern compositions.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to create the signature polished wood effect, complementing the iris and vanilla notes with its clean, sophisticated woody character.
Provides the mineral-woody backbone that makes this fragrance so distinctive, blending seamlessly with the flint and citrus notes.
Contributes to the signature ‘pickle jar’ woody effect, adding longevity and diffusion to the sandalwood accord.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCC(O)CCC1C(C)CCCC1(C)C
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Norlimbanol is a synthetic sesquiterpenoid alcohol. While it doesn’t occur naturally, its structure is inspired by natural woody materials. It’s typically produced through chemical synthesis from petrochemical precursors. The molecule’s rigid structure and specific stereochemistry contribute to its clean, persistent woody odor profile. Its relatively high molecular weight (compared to monoterpenoids) gives it excellent tenacity in fragrance applications.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | Approx. 250-260 °C |
| Density | Approx. 0.95-0.98 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Provides woody foundation |
| Home Fragrance | 2-4% | Up to 8% | Adds long-lasting woody character |
| Personal Care | 0.5-1.5% | Up to 3% | Used sparingly for woody notes |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent the woody character from becoming too heavy.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When a more diffusive, slightly floral woody character is desired.
For a smoother, more rounded woody effect with less sharpness.
When a natural woody character with earthy undertones is preferred.
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 specific IFRA restrictions. General guidelines for fragrance compounds apply.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed as an EU allergen.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has reviewed Norlimbanol and found it safe for use in current practices.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, Norlimbanol doesn’t rely on natural resource extraction. However, its production from petrochemicals raises carbon footprint considerations. Some manufacturers are exploring bio-based routes to similar molecules to improve sustainability.
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary for Norlimbanol PubChem
- IFRA Standards Library IFRA
- Leffingwell & Associates, 2003. Odor and Molecular Structure
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID4041814
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 226.404 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.855 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 280.831 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 30.933 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 126.834 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.446 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 266.341 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.405 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 4.405 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.405 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 9.29 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.008 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 24.705 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 29.657 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 131.596 mW/(m*K)📊 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 | 5 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 71.052 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 28.167 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.
