Opoponax Oil (CAS 8021-36-1) — Balsamic Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Opoponax Oil
CAS 8021-36-1
What Is Opoponax Oil?
Opoponax oil is a warm, balsamic resin obtained from the Commiphora guidottii tree, native to Somalia and Ethiopia. It’s encountered in incense, perfumes, and traditional medicines. This ancient ingredient matters because it adds deep, honeyed sweetness with leathery undertones to fragrances, creating a sense of warmth and mystery.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Opoponax Oil Smell Like?
Opoponax oil unfolds with an initial burst of sweet, honeyed warmth reminiscent of dried apricots dipped in vanilla. The heart reveals complex layers of balsamic resin, soft leather, and a whisper of smoky incense. As it dries down, it leaves a velvety trail of amber-like sweetness with subtle woody undertones. Unlike its cousin myrrh, opoponax carries a brighter, almost powdery facet that prevents it from becoming too heavy.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a balsamic bridge between the citrus top and vanilla base, adding resinous depth that makes this oriental legendary.
Amplifies the spice accord with its honeyed resin quality, contributing to the fragrance’s addictive warmth.
Provides the leathery-balsamic counterpoint to the amber, creating a more complex oriental structure.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Opoponax oil is a complex mixture of sesquiterpenes and furanoid compounds. The key constituents include α-santalol, furanoeudesma-1,3-diene, and various curzerene derivatives. These molecules form through oxidative processes in the resin. Modern extraction typically uses steam distillation of the crude resin, though solvent extraction yields a more complete odor profile. The characteristic sweet-balsamic notes come from oxygenated sesquiterpenes that develop as the resin ages.
Chemical Composition
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Viscous yellow to amber liquid |
|---|---|
| Refractive Index | 1.488 – 1.507 |
| Specific Gravity | 0.865 – 0.932 |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furanoeudesma-1,3-diene | 67920-38-3 | 202.29 | 285 °C | 5.1 | |
| α-Santalol | 115-71-9 | 220.35 | 302 °C | 4.3 |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds balsamic depth to oriental bases |
| Incense | 10-20% | Up to 30% | Traditional use in sacred blends |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with ionones to enhance the honeyed facets without increasing sweetness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More medicinal and less sweet, suitable when a drier resinous note is needed.
Offers similar balsamic warmth but with more cinnamon-like spice character.
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 IFRA restrictions. Approved for all fragrance categories under Amendment 49.
EU Allergen Declaration
None declared under EU Regulation No 1223/2009.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels with proper sensitization management.
Sustainability
Wild-harvested from drought-resistant Commiphora trees in the Horn of Africa. Sustainable tapping practices preserve trees for decades. Ethical sourcing initiatives support local harvesters. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the full complexity of natural resin.
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References
- Baser KHC, Buchbauer G (2015). Handbook of Essential Oils. CRC Press. ISBN 9780367389933
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8021-36-1Odor & Flavor
| The oil is obtained by steam distillation of the crude resin in approximately 3.5 to 10% yields. It has an intense, warm, balsamic odor. The oil tends to resinify on exposure to air.📖 Fenaroli |
Regulatory Status
| IFRA Listed | Yes — see IFRA Standards for category limits⚖️ IFRA 51 |
| IOFI Classification | Natural📖 Fenaroli |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
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