khusimone

Khusimone is a naturally occurring bicyclic ketone with the chemical formula C₁₄H₂₀O and a molecular weight of approximately 204.31 g/mol. It is often recognized by its preferred name and trivial synonym alpha-vetyvone, and is also formally known as (1R,8R)-7,7-dimethyl-6-methylenetricyclo[6.2.1.01,5]undecan-2-one. This compound exhibits a characteristic woody odor, typical of components found within vetiver oil, a complex natural extract from Vetiveria zizanioides roots. Khusimone is classified among natural substances and extractives commonly used in aromatic applications. Detailed chemical information and structure data are available through resources such as PubChem. The compound's sensory and functional properties make it significant in fragrance formulation, especially where earthy or woody notes are desired.

Khusimone occurs naturally as a constituent of vetiver oil, derived from the roots of the vetiver plant. This source contributes to its characteristic woody and earthy aroma. Within fragrance and aroma industries, khusimone finds application primarily as a woody odorant component in natural substances and extractives. Its scent profile suits the creation of orientally inspired and mossy fragrance accords, augmenting complexity and depth. Due to recommendations outlined in standards such as the FEMA (US) guidelines, khusimone is noted for non-use as a flavor additive or fragrance ingredient at defined usage levels. This restricts its application largely to specialized non-flavor contexts, emphasizing its role within natural aroma chemicals rather than as a food-grade flavorant.

Khusimone is a ketone with a boiling point ranging between 295 and 296°C under atmospheric pressure (760 mm Hg), reflecting relative thermal stability suited to fragrance processing. It exhibits low vapor pressure, measured at approximately 0.001 mmHg at 25°C, indicating limited volatility and a persistent olfactory presence in formulations. The compound has moderate lipophilicity, with a logP value near 2.82, contributing to its solubility profile; it dissolves in alcohol but shows negligible solubility in water. The flash point, recorded as 122°C when converted from 252°F, denotes significant safety margins during handling and storage at typical ambient temperatures. These physicochemical traits influence khusimone's incorporation into aromatic products, guiding solvent choices and concentration to optimize scent release and stability.

	(1R,8R)-7,7-dimethyl-6-methylenetricyclo[6.2.1.01,5]undecan-2-one
NIST Chemistry WebBook:	Search Inchi
Pubchem (cid):	6428327
Pubchem (sid):	10543891
Pherobase:	View

(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
VCF-Online:	VCF Volatile Compounds in Food
ChemSpider:	View
Wikipedia:	View

Safety information

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:
natural substances and extractives
Recommendation for khusimone usage levels up to:
	not for fragrance use.
Recommendation for khusimone flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

EPI System: View

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary :6428327

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

(1R,8R)-7,7-dimethyl-6-methylenetricyclo[6.2.1.01,5]undecan-2-one