juniper muscone

Juniper muscone, also known by the trivial name hexadecanolide, is a macrocyclic lactone chemical identified by the molecular formula C₁₆H₃₀O₂. This compound exhibits a musky odor characterized by sweet, powdery, and animalic nuances. It belongs to the class of macrocyclic musks commonly employed in fragrance products. Various synonyms exist including silvanone supra, cyclohexadecanolide, and dihydroambrettolide, reflecting its chemical and commercial diversity. According to the PubChem database, juniper muscone is structurally a lactone ring with a 16-membered cycle. Typically sourced by synthetic preparation mimicking natural musk compounds, it offers a stable, durable scent contribution widely utilized in perfumery and related applications.

Juniper muscone occurs as a synthetic macrocyclic musk compound used primarily as a fragrance agent. It is well-regarded for its long-lasting, substantive musk odor reminiscent of animalic musks, often incorporated into floral, oriental, woody, and powdery scent profiles. Its accord complements spicy and herbal notes, enhancing the richness of white florals and carnation nuances. Under the IFRA (Global) Code of Practice, juniper muscone conforms to regulations governing fragrance use but is not intended for flavor applications. The compound’s stability and compatibility with other musks, such as Musk R 1, make it versatile across diverse perfumery formulations.

Juniper muscone is a macrocyclic lactone with comparatively low volatility, evidenced by a vapor pressure of approximately 2.6×10^-5 mmHg at 25 °C. It has a moderate to high estimated logP value near 5.7 indicating significant lipophilicity. This property supports its solubility in organic solvents like alcohols but negligible water solubility. The compound’s flash point is measured at 301 °F (about 150 °C), suggesting a relatively stable profile under typical storage and formulation conditions. These physicochemical traits favor its use in sustained-release fragrance compositions. Its molecular weight is 254.41 g/mol, consistent with large macrocyclic lactones, which contributes to its characteristic slow evaporation and lasting aroma impact.

(IUPAC):	Atomic Weights of the Elements 2011 (pdf)
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(IUPAC):	Periodic Table of the Elements
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Safety information

Preferred SDS: View
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:
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 juniper muscone 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 :7984

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

WGK Germany:2

1-oxacycloheptadecan-2-one

Chemidplus:0000109295

RTECS:RN9730000 for cas# 109-29-5