Cedroxide ®

Cedroxyde Technical Ingredient Overview

• 🔎 Chemical Name — (4Z,8Z)-1,2,2-Trimethyl-13-oxabicyclo[10.1.0]trideca-4,8-diene

• 🧪 Synonyms — Trimethyl-13-oxabicyclo[10.1.0]trideca-4,8-diene; Cedroxyde®; Cedroxide

• 📂 CAS Number — 71735-79-0

• 📘 FEMA Number — Not applicable (fragrance use only)

• ⚖️ Molecular Weight — 220.35 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type — Woody, Ambery, Dry

• 📈 Odor Strength — Medium (6-7/10)

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile — Dry, elegant woody-ambery with cedar, patchouli, and powdery undertones. Exhibits sophisticated balance between warmth and dryness with subtle sandalwood facets

• ⚗️ Uses — Base note fixative, woody accent, structure builder in fine fragrance, personal care, and household products

• 🧴 Appearance — Pale yellow to yellow viscous liquid

What is Cedroxyde?

Cedroxyde represents a sophisticated synthetic fragrance molecule belonging to the woody-ambery olfactory family. This bicyclic epoxide compound demonstrates exceptional versatility in modern perfumery, functioning primarily as a base note component with notable fixative properties. The molecule's unique structure combines a cyclohexyl framework with specific stereochemical configurations that contribute to its distinctive olfactory character.

As a member of the terpenoid-inspired synthetic family, Cedroxyde bridges the gap between natural cedarwood derivatives and modern synthetic chemistry. Its molecular architecture incorporates an epoxide functional group within a tricyclic system, providing both stability and the characteristic dry-woody profile that has made it indispensable in contemporary fragrance formulation.

The compound exhibits medium volatility characteristics, positioning it ideally as a heart-to-base note material that provides structural support to fragrance compositions while contributing its own distinctive olfactory signature. This positioning makes Cedroxyde particularly valuable for perfumers seeking to create depth and longevity in their compositions without overwhelming delicate top note structures.

Historical Background

Cedroxyde was developed by Firmenich in 1973, emerging during a pivotal period in synthetic fragrance chemistry when major fragrance houses were expanding their portfolios of woody-ambery materials (Kraft et al., 2000). The molecule was created as part of Firmenich's ongoing research into novel cyclic compounds that could provide woody character with improved performance characteristics compared to natural alternatives.

The development team, led by Firmenich's research laboratories, focused on creating a molecule that would combine the desirable aspects of natural cedarwood components while offering superior stability, cost-effectiveness, and consistency. This research was part of a broader industry trend toward developing synthetic alternatives that could provide reliable olfactory performance without the variability inherent in natural materials.

The compound gained commercial significance throughout the 1980s as perfumers recognized its unique ability to provide both structural support and distinctive olfactory character. Unlike many woody materials that function purely as supporting notes, Cedroxyde demonstrated the versatility to serve both functional and aesthetic roles within fragrance compositions.

Key milestones in Cedroxyde's development include its initial patent filing in the early 1970s, commercial launch in 1975, and subsequent optimization of production processes that made it cost-effective for widespread use across multiple product categories. The molecule's success led to further research into related bicyclic systems, contributing to the expansion of synthetic woody materials available to perfumers.

By the 1990s, Cedroxyde had become established as a standard component in the perfumer's palette, particularly valued for its ability to anchor floral compositions and provide depth to oriental fragrances. Its adoption across both fine fragrance and functional fragrance applications demonstrated its versatility and commercial viability.

Olfactory Profile

Scent Family

Cedroxyde belongs to the woody-ambery fragrance family, specifically classified within the dry woods subcategory. Its olfactory profile positions it as a bridge between traditional cedarwood notes and modern amber synthetics, creating a unique niche in the perfumer's palette.

Main Descriptors

The primary olfactory characteristics of Cedroxyde include a sophisticated dry-woody character with prominent ambery facets. The molecule presents cedar-like aspects without the sharp, sometimes harsh edges associated with natural cedarwood oils. Instead, it offers a refined, powdery interpretation of woody character that integrates seamlessly with other fragrance components.

Secondary descriptors include subtle patchouli-like earthiness, sandalwood smoothness, and a distinctive powdery quality that adds sophistication to compositions. The amber aspects provide warmth without excessive sweetness, creating a balanced profile that supports both masculine and feminine fragrance concepts.

Intensity

Cedroxyde demonstrates medium intensity with a rating of 6-7 on a 10-point scale. This moderate strength allows for flexible usage across various concentration levels without risk of overwhelming more delicate components. The molecule's intensity remains consistent across different pH ranges and temperature conditions, making it reliable for diverse product applications.

Tenacity

The compound exhibits excellent tenacity, with substantivity lasting 6-8 hours on skin at moderate concentrations. In fabric applications, Cedroxyde can provide detectable woody notes for several days, making it particularly valuable in detergent and fabric care formulations. This longevity stems from its molecular weight and moderate polarity, which facilitate good binding to various substrates.

Volatility

Cedroxyde functions primarily as a heart-to-base note material with low-to-medium volatility. Its evaporation profile shows minimal presence in the initial 15-minute period, gradual emergence during the heart phase (15 minutes to 2 hours), and sustained presence through the base phase (2+ hours). This volatility profile makes it ideal for providing structural continuity throughout a fragrance's development.

Fixative Role

As a fixative, Cedroxyde demonstrates moderate binding properties that help extend the longevity of more volatile components. While not as powerful as traditional fixatives like musks or certain ambers, it provides valuable support to middle notes and helps bridge the gap between heart and base phases of fragrance development.

Applications in Fine Fragrance

Role in Fragrance Compositions

In fine fragrance applications, Cedroxyde serves multiple functional roles beyond its direct olfactory contribution. As a structure builder, it provides backbone support that allows more volatile components to develop properly while maintaining composition coherence. This structural role is particularly valuable in complex compositions where multiple olfactory themes must be balanced.

The molecule's dry character makes it especially effective in compositions requiring sophistication without excessive sweetness or heaviness. It provides woody depth that feels natural and refined rather than synthetic or artificial, making it suitable for both niche and commercial fragrance applications.

Typical Accords and Combinations

Cedroxyde integrates exceptionally well with floral accords, particularly rose, jasmine, and violet compositions where its dry woody character provides grounding without masking delicate floral nuances. In chypre structures, it reinforces the mossy-woody base while adding amber warmth that modernizes traditional chypre profiles.

Oriental compositions benefit from Cedroxyde's ability to provide woody structure without competing with resinous or sweet components. The molecule's balanced character allows it to support amber, vanilla, and spice combinations while maintaining distinctiveness.

Modern woody compositions utilize Cedroxyde as both a primary woody component and as a blending agent that harmonizes different wood types. Its compatibility with cedar, sandalwood, and synthetic woods like Iso E Super makes it valuable for creating complex woody accords.

Pairing Behavior with Other Ingredients

Cedroxyde demonstrates excellent blending properties with a wide range of fragrance materials. With aldehydes, it provides grounding that prevents excessive brightness while maintaining lift and radiance. In combination with esters, it offers structural support that enhances fruity notes without competing for olfactory space.

The molecule pairs particularly well with Cedramber and Cedrol Crystals, creating sophisticated cedarwood accords that combine different aspects of woody character. With patchouli components, it enhances earthy aspects while providing smoother delivery.

Performance in Different Fragrance Types

In masculine fragrances, Cedroxyde contributes to sophisticated woody compositions without excessive weight or density. Its refined character supports modern masculine concepts that emphasize elegance over traditional heavy woody profiles.

Feminine fragrances benefit from Cedroxyde's ability to provide woody depth that enhances rather than overshadows floral and fruity components. The molecule's powdery aspects add sophistication to feminine compositions while its amber facets provide warmth and sensuality.

Unisex compositions leverage Cedroxyde's balanced character to create fragrances that appeal across gender preferences. Its ability to support both traditionally masculine woody themes and feminine floral concepts makes it valuable for contemporary unisex fragrance development.

Performance in Formula

Behavior in Blends and Mixtures

Cedroxyde demonstrates exceptional stability in alcoholic solutions, showing no significant degradation over typical shelf-life periods. The molecule maintains its olfactory character across various pH ranges, making it suitable for products requiring different formulation conditions.

In oil-based systems, Cedroxyde integrates smoothly without phase separation or crystallization issues. Its moderate polarity allows for good compatibility with both polar and non-polar carrier systems, providing formulation flexibility.

Diffusion Characteristics

The compound exhibits controlled diffusion properties that provide consistent olfactory delivery over extended periods. Initial diffusion is minimal, allowing top notes to develop properly, followed by gradual release that supports heart note development and sustained base note presence.

In air care applications, Cedroxyde provides steady woody notes that maintain consistency over several hours without rapid fade-out or overwhelming initial impact. This controlled release makes it valuable for creating sophisticated scent experiences in functional products.

Impact on Overall Composition

Cedroxyde's influence extends beyond its direct olfactory contribution through its ability to modulate the behavior of other fragrance components. The molecule's structure provides sites for hydrogen bonding and van der Waals interactions that can affect the volatility and perception of surrounding molecules.

This modulatory effect is particularly beneficial in compositions containing highly volatile components that might otherwise lack persistence. Cedroxyde's presence can extend the perceptible life of citrus notes and light florals through intermolecular interactions.

Compatibility with Other Materials

The molecule shows excellent compatibility with most common fragrance materials, including aldehydes, esters, ethers, and other synthetic aromatics. Its chemical stability prevents unwanted reactions that could lead to off-notes or discoloration.

Particular care should be taken when combining Cedroxyde with highly acidic components or strong oxidizing agents, though such combinations are uncommon in typical fragrance formulations. The molecule's epoxide functionality generally remains stable under normal formulation conditions.

Industrial & Technical Uses

Non-Fragrance Applications

While primarily developed for fragrance applications, Cedroxyde's chemical properties make it potentially useful in specialized industrial applications requiring controlled-release woody character. Research applications have explored its use as a model compound for studying epoxide chemistry and stereochemical effects on olfactory perception.

Technical Specifications and Requirements

For fragrance applications, Cedroxyde should meet minimum purity specifications of 98% with specific restrictions on related impurities that could affect olfactory character. The material requires storage under controlled temperature conditions (below 25°C) in sealed containers protected from light and moisture.

Quality control parameters include gas chromatographic purity analysis, optical rotation measurement, and organoleptic evaluation by trained panels. These specifications ensure consistent performance across production batches and prevent formulation issues.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

IFRA Status

According to IFRA Amendment 51, Cedroxyde is not subject to specific quantitative restrictions but must comply with general safety guidelines for fragrance ingredients. The material is recognized as safe for use in fragrance applications when used according to established good manufacturing practices (IFRA, 2023).

Current IFRA standards do not impose specific usage limits for Cedroxyde in any product categories, though formulators should follow general principles of responsible use and consider cumulative exposure from multiple sources.

GHS Classification

Under the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, Cedroxyde carries the following classifications:

• H315: Causes skin irritation

• H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects

These classifications require appropriate handling precautions and labeling for commercial products containing the material above specified threshold concentrations.

EU Cosmetics Regulation

Cedroxyde is approved for use in cosmetic products within the European Union under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The material is not listed among restricted substances, allowing for use according to good manufacturing practices and general safety principles.

Cosmetic products containing Cedroxyde must comply with standard labeling requirements and safety assessment protocols established under EU cosmetics regulations.

Toxicology

Available toxicological data indicates that Cedroxyde demonstrates low acute toxicity through oral and dermal routes. Standard repeated-dose studies show no significant systemic effects at levels relevant to fragrance applications.

Skin sensitization studies indicate moderate sensitization potential, requiring appropriate formulation practices to minimize exposure risks in finished products. Respiratory sensitization data is limited, though the material's low volatility reduces inhalation exposure concerns.

FEMA Status

Cedroxyde does not hold FEMA (Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association) GRAS status and is not approved for use in food or flavor applications. The material is restricted to fragrance and cosmetic uses only.

Comparative Analyses

Relationship to Natural Cedar Components

Cedroxyde provides woody character reminiscent of natural cedar materials but with improved consistency and stability. Unlike natural cedarwood oils that can vary significantly based on geographic origin and processing methods, Cedroxyde delivers predictable olfactory performance.

The synthetic nature of Cedroxyde eliminates seasonal availability issues and price volatility associated with natural cedar derivatives while providing similar aesthetic benefits in fragrance compositions.

Comparison with Other Woody Synthetics

Compared to other woody synthetic materials like Iso E Super or Methyl Cedryl Ketone, Cedroxyde offers a more pronounced woody character with less abstract or ethereal qualities. This makes it suitable for applications requiring clear woody recognition rather than subtle enhancement.

The molecule's amber aspects distinguish it from purely woody materials, providing warmth that bridges woody and oriental fragrance families. This dual character makes it particularly versatile for complex compositions requiring multiple olfactory themes.

Environmental Impact

Biodegradability Profile

Current biodegradability studies indicate that Cedroxyde shows moderate biodegradation under standard test conditions. The molecule's bicyclic structure with epoxide functionality may slow initial degradation, but ultimate biodegradation appears achievable under appropriate environmental conditions.

Aquatic Toxicity Considerations

Environmental assessment data shows that Cedroxyde demonstrates moderate aquatic toxicity, leading to its H411 classification. Appropriate wastewater treatment and disposal practices should be followed to minimize environmental impact.

The material's moderate water solubility limits its environmental distribution, though care should be taken to prevent direct discharge to aquatic systems without appropriate treatment.

Market Trends and Applications

Commercial Usage Patterns

Cedroxyde usage has remained steady in fine fragrance applications while showing growth in functional fragrance products as consumers increasingly seek sophisticated woody notes in household and personal care products. The material's cost-effectiveness compared to natural alternatives supports its continued commercial viability.

Formulation Innovation

Recent formulation innovations incorporate Cedroxyde in combination with natural wood extracts to create hybrid accords that combine synthetic reliability with natural complexity. These approaches allow perfumers to optimize both performance and olfactory character.

Advanced encapsulation techniques are being explored to modify Cedroxyde's release profile for specific applications, potentially expanding its utility in controlled-release fragrance systems.

References

• Kraft, P., Bajgrowicz, J. A., Denis, C., & Fráter, G. (2000). Odds and trends: Recent developments in the chemistry of odorants. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 39(17), 2980-3010.

• IFRA (International Fragrance Association). (2023). IFRA Standards. Retrieved from https://ifrafragrance.org/standards

• Firmenich. (n.d.). Technical Data Sheet: Cedroxyde. Firmenich SA.

• Vigon International. (n.d.). Safety Data Sheet: Cedroxyde. Vigon International Inc.