Sandalwood Scent Chemistry: Key Santalol Molecules
The Olfactory Engine: Molecular Keys to Sandalwood’s Scent
Sandalwood’s classic, woody aroma arises from a precise chemical composition in the tree’s heartwood. Researchers have identified four major sesquiterpenols responsible for the scent: (Z)-α-santalol, (Z)-β-santalol, (Z)-epi-β-santalol, and (Z)-α-exo-bergamotol. The “(Z)” notation refers to the three-dimensional geometry of these molecules, which determines their interaction with human olfactory receptors to produce sandalwood’s characteristic warm, creamy note.
Previous synthetic attempts often yielded the less desirable (E)-isomer counterparts. A 2023 study by the University of
Fragrance Studio lets you test materials against sandalwood and santalol alternatives directly — no spreadsheet juggling, with data sourced from Fenaroli, IFRA, PubChem and more.