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amber naphthofuran

Amber naphthofuran is a tricyclic compound with an amber, woody, and musky odor widely used in flavor and fragrance applications.
Chemical Structure

General Material Description

Amber naphthofuran, known by the trivial name Cetalox, is a synthetic fragrance compound classified chemically as 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0.(4.9))tridecane with molecular formula C16H28O. It appears as a colorless to pale material featuring a prominent amber odor with woody, dry, and musky nuances. The compound has many synonyms including Ambrox DL and Ambermor DL (IFF), and is recognized in chemical databases such as PubChem (PubChem). Amber naphthofuran is typically obtained via chemical synthesis, serving as an important ingredient in perfumery and flavoring applications where warm and animalic amber notes are desired.

Occurrence, Applicability & Potential Uses

Amber naphthofuran occurs naturally in essential oils such as salvia sclarea (clary sage oil) from Greece, albeit in low concentrations (~0.10%). It functions prominently in the flavor and fragrance industry, imparting a high-strength amber, ambergris, woody, and musky character to creations. According to IFRA (Global) and FEMA (US) standards, it is approved for use in fine fragrances and flavorings, respectively, within specified limits to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Its applications include replacements for ambrette oil, animalic ambergris notes, and enhancement of woody, tobacco, and powdery accords. Amber naphthofuran's versatility extends to perfuming agents, flavor enhancers in tea and guaiacwood flavors, and fantasy blends, making it valuable across various product categories.

Physico-Chemical Properties Summary

Amber naphthofuran possesses physical properties that support its use in complex formulations. It has a melting range between 75 and 85 °C at atmospheric pressure and boils between 102 and 106 °C under reduced pressure (25 mm Hg). The compound is slightly soluble in water (approximately 2.436 mg/L at 25 °C) and readily dissolves in alcohol solvents. Its high estimated logP value (~5.26) indicates significant lipophilicity, which contributes to excellent substantivity and fixing properties in fragrance compositions, with substantivity exceeding 400 hours at 10% solution in dipropylene glycol. The flash point is around 100 °C (212 °F), implying moderate volatility and handling safety. Stability assessments show it is compatible in various personal care and fine fragrance matrices at typical use concentrations, supporting its practical utility.

FAQ

What is amber naphthofuran and what are its main characteristics?
Amber naphthofuran is a synthetic fragrance compound known for its strong amber odor with woody, ambergris, and musky nuances. Chemically, it is identified as 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0.(4.9))tridecane and has the molecular formula C16H28O. It is widely used in the flavor and fragrance industries for imparting long-lasting amber-type notes with a dry, animalic touch. The compound appears as a colorless to pale material and has several trade names such as Cetalox, Ambrox DL, and Ambermor DL.
Where does amber naphthofuran occur naturally and how is it typically used?
Amber naphthofuran naturally occurs in small amounts within clary sage oil (Salvia sclarea), particularly from Greece at about 0.10%. Commercially, it is produced synthetically and used as an ambergris substitute and fragrance fixative. It enhances a variety of scent profiles including woody, tobacco, powdery, and musky accords. Its usage spans perfuming agents, flavoring in tea and guaiacwood notes, and incorporation into fantasy blends for complexity and depth. Compliance with IFRA (Global) and FEMA (US) standards guide its safe concentration limits in formulations.
What safety regulations and precautions are relevant to amber naphthofuran?
Amber naphthofuran is classified as an irritant under European regulations, with hazard statements indicating potential irritation to eyes, respiratory system, and skin. Appropriate protective measures include keeping it out of children’s reach, rinsing eyes thoroughly if in contact, and using protective clothing. IFRA (Global) provides guidelines limiting its concentration to a maximum of 5% in fragrance concentrates to mitigate risks. FEMA (US) has reviewed it as a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) flavor ingredient with specified use levels in food categories. Toxicological data are limited, but regulatory bodies including EFSA and RIFM continuously evaluate its safety profile.

US / EU / FDA / JECFA / FEMA / Scholar / Patents

Google Scholar Start search
Google Books Start search
Google Patents Start search
Perfumer & Flavorists Start search
EU Patents Start search
PubMeb Start search
NCBI Start search

Literature & References

Leffingwell:Chirality or Article
3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-2,4,5,5a,7,8,9,9b-octahydro-1H-benzo[e][1]benzofuran
NIST Chemistry WebBook:Search Inchi
Canada Domestic Sub. List:3738-00-9
Pubchem (cid):107166
Pubchem (sid):135063926
Pherobase:View
Publications by Info
Ambrox / Ambroxan
Publications by Google Patents
(+)-Ambrox, process for production thereof and use thereof
Publications by US Patents
8,222,200 - Organic compounds
Publications by PubMed
Toward a biosynthetic route to sclareol and amber odorants.
A diterpene synthase from the clary sage Salvia sclarea catalyzes the cyclization of geranylgeranyl diphosphate to (8R)-hydroxy-copalyl diphosphate.
Biotransformation of perfumery terpenoids, (-)-ambrox® by a fungal culture Macrophomina phaseolina and a plant cell suspension culture of Peganum harmala.
Discovery and functional characterization of two diterpene synthases for sclareol biosynthesis in Salvia sclarea (L.) and their relevance for perfume manufacture.
Communic acids: occurrence, properties and use as chirons for the synthesis of bioactive compounds.
Isolation, chemical, and biotransformation routes of labdane-type diterpenes.
Antibacterial and cytotoxic activity of the acetone extract of the flowers of Salvia sclarea and some natural products.
Chiral decalins: preparation from oleanolic acid and application in the synthesis of (-)-9-epi-ambrox.
Biotransformation of (-)-ambrox by cell suspension cultures of Actinidia deliciosa.
Chiral proton donor reagents: tin tetrachloride--coordinated optically active binaphthol derivatives.
Enantio- and diastereoselective stepwise cyclization of polyprenoids induced by chiral and achiral LBAs. A new entry to (-)-ambrox, (+)-podocarpa-8,11,13-triene diterpenoids, and (-)-tetracyclic polyprenoid of sedimentary origin.
Oxidative metabolism of ambrox and sclareolide by Botrytis cinerea.

Other Information

(IUPAC):Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
Videos:The Periodic Table of Videos
tgsc:Atomic Weights use for this web site
(IUPAC):Periodic Table of the Elements
HMDB (The Human Metabolome Database):Search
Export Tariff Code:2932.19.0000
Typical G.C.
VCF-Online:VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:View
Wikipedia:View
EFSA Update of results on the monitoring of furan levels in food:Read Report
EFSA Previous report: Results on the monitoring of furan levels in food:Read Report
EFSA Report of the CONTAM Panel on provisional findings on furan in food:Read Report

General Material Information

Preferred name amber naphthofuran
Trivial Name Cetalox
Short Description 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0.(4.9))tridecane
Formula C16 H28 O
CAS Number 3738-00-9
Deleted CAS Number 193980-58-4
FEMA Number 3471
Flavis Number 13.072
ECHA Number 223-118-6
FDA UNII Search
Nikkaji Number J205.641K
COE Number 10514
xLogP3-AA 4.70 (est)
NMR Predictor External link
JECFA Food Flavoring 1240 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0.(4.9))tridecane
FDA Patent No longer provide for the use of these seven synthetic flavoring substances
Synonyms
  • ambermor DL (IFF)
  • amborl DL
  • ambrox DL (Firmenich)
  • cetalor (IFF)
  • cetalox (Firmenich)
  • cetalox laevo (Firmenich)
  • dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl naphtho(2,1-beta)furan
  • dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho(2,1-b)furan
  • dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphto-(2,1-b)-furan
  • dodecahydro-3a-,6,6,9a-tetramethyl(2,1beta)furan
  • dodecahydrotetramethyl naphthofuran
  • fixambrene
  • naphtho(2,1-b)furan, dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-
  • naphtho[2,1-b]furan, dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-
  • synambran
  • tetramethyl dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-naphtho(2,1-b)furan
  • tetramethyl perhydronaphthofurane
  • 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0.(4.9))tridecane
  • 3a,6,6,9a- tetramethyl-2,4,5,5a,7,8,9,9b-octahydro-1H-benzo[e][1]benzofuran
  • 1,6,10,10-tetramethyl-5-oxatricyclo[7.4.0.0]tridecane
  • 3a,6,6,9a- tetramethyl-dodecahydro-naphtho[2,1-b]furan
  • 3a,6,6,9a- tetramethyldodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan
  • 3a,6,6,9a- tetramethylperhydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan
  • 3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-2,4,5,5a,7,8,9,9b-octahydro-1H-benzo[e][1]benzofuran
  • Dodecahydro-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethylnaphtho[2,1-b]furan
  • Amberlyn
  • Ambrox DL
  • 3a,6,6,9a-Tetramethyldodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan
  • Cetalox
  • Ambrotech
  • Cachalox

PhysChem Properties

Material listed in food chemical codex No
Molecular weight 236.39836120605
Melting Point 75 to 85°C @ 760 mm Hg
Boiling Point 102 to 106°C @ 25 mm Hg
Acid Value 1 max KOH/g
Vapor Pressure 0.009 mmHg @ 25 °C
Flash Point TCC Value 100 °C TCC
logP (o/w) 5.256 est
Solubility
alcohol Yes
water, slightly Yes
water, 2.436 mg/L @ 25 °C (est) Yes
Stability
APC: traces - 1% Unspecified
candle: traces - 1% Unspecified
detergent: traces - 1% Unspecified
fine fragrances: 0.5 - 5% Unspecified
shampoo: traces - 0.5% Unspecified
shower gel: traces - 0.5% Unspecified
soap: traces - 0.5% Unspecified
softener: traces - 1% Unspecified

Organoleptic Properties

Odor Type: Amber
dry, woody, amber, ambergris, musk, sweet
Odor strength high , recommend smelling in a 10.00 % solution or less
Substantivity > 400 hour(s) at 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol
Luebke, William tgsc, (1986) At 10.00 % in dipropylene glycol. dry woody amber ambergris musk sweet
Flavor Type: Amber
amber, woody old wood, tobacco, powdery, dry, ambergris, animal
Luebke, William tgsc, (1986) Amber old wood tobacco powdery dry ambergris animal

Occurrences

Safety Information

Safety information

European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xi - Irritant
R 36/37/38 - Irritating to eyes, respiratory system, and skin.
S 02 - Keep out of the reach of children.
S 26 - In case of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice.
S 36 - Wear suitable protective clothing.
Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavor and fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
Recommendation for amber naphthofuran usage levels up to:
5.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-EU): 1.20 (μg/capita/day)
Maximised Survey-derived Daily Intakes (MSDI-USA): 0.10 (μg/capita/day)
Structure Class: III
Use levels for FEMA GRAS flavoring substances on which the FEMA Expert Panel based its judgments that the substances are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
The Expert Panel also publishes separate extensive reviews of scientific information on all FEMA GRAS flavoring substances and can be found at FEMA Flavor Ingredient Library
publication number: 9
Click here to view publication 9
average usual ppmaverage maximum ppm
baked goods: -0.01000
beverages(nonalcoholic): -0.01000
beverages(alcoholic): --
breakfast cereal: --
cheese: --
chewing gum: --
condiments / relishes: --
confectionery froastings: -0.01000
egg products: --
fats / oils: --
fish products: --
frozen dairy: -0.01000
fruit ices: -0.01000
gelatins / puddings: -0.01000
granulated sugar: --
gravies: --
hard candy: --
imitation dairy: --
instant coffee / tea: --
jams / jellies: --
meat products: --
milk products: --
nut products: --
other grains: --
poultry: --
processed fruits: --
processed vegetables: --
reconstituted vegetables: --
seasonings / flavors: --
snack foods: --
soft candy: --
soups: --
sugar substitutes: --
sweet sauces: --

Safety references

European Food Safety Athority(EFSA):Flavor usage levels; Subacute, Subchronic, Chronic and Carcinogenicity Studies; Developmental / Reproductive Toxicity Studies; Genotoxicity Studies...

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) reference(s):

Flavouring Group Evaluation 59 (FGE.59): Consideration of aliphatic and aromatic ethers evaluated by JECFA (61st meeting) structurally related to aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives evaluated by EFSA in FGE.23 (2006) (Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000 of 18 July 2000) - Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in contact with Food (AFC)
View page or View pdf

Flavouring Group Evaluation 33 (FGE.33)[1] - Six Tetrahydrofuran Derivatives from Chemical Groups 13, 14, 16 and 26 - Scientific Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids and Materials in Contact with Food
View page or View pdf

Scientific Opinion on Flavouring Group Evaluation 59, Revision 1 (FGE.59Rev1): Consideration of aliphatic and aromatic ethers evaluated by JECFA (61st meeting and 63rd meeting) structurally related to aliphatic, alicyclic and aromatic ethers including anisole derivatives evaluated by EFSA in FGE.23 Rev2 (2010)
View page or View pdf

EPI System: View
AIDS Citations:Search
Cancer Citations:Search
Toxicology Citations:Search
EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):3738-00-9
EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data
EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry
Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :107166
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data
WGK Germany:2
3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl-2,4,5,5a,7,8,9,9b-octahydro-1H-benzo[e][1]benzofuran
Chemidplus:0003738009