Macrolide Supra

Synthetic Ingredient Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer: Symrise

• 🔎 Chemical Name: Pentadecan-15-olide

• 🧪 Synonyms: Exaltolide, Muskalactone, Omega-Pentadecalactone, Pentalide

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₅H₂₈O₂

• 📂 CAS N°: 106-02-5

• 📘 FEMA: —

• ⚖️ MW: 240.38 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type: Musky, Floral, Woody

• 📈 Odor Strength: Medium

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Musky, powdery, warm and soft

• ⚗️ Uses: Fixative and base note enhancer in floral, woody, and fruity accords

• 🧴 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid

What is Macrolide Supra?

Macrolide Supra, or Pentadecan-15-olide, is a synthetic macrocyclic lactone musk. Its structure mimics naturally occurring musks but offers greater environmental safety and formulation flexibility. First introduced under the name Exaltolide by Firmenich, it was later marketed by Symrise as Macrolide Supra, offering a soft, creamy musk base with excellent stability and low volatility.

Macrocyclic musks emerged as safer alternatives to nitro musks in the 20th century. Their structure allows for biodegradability, while their olfactory profile remains persistent and musky without being aggressive. Pentadecan-15-olide is especially appreciated for its ability to impart long-lasting softness and smoothness in perfumes.

Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications

Macrolide Supra’s scent is warm, musky, powdery, and smooth. It is versatile and non-overpowering, performing well across multiple fragrance families:

• Fine Fragrances: Used in base accords to extend longevity and add clean, velvety softness.

• Floral Accords: Supports white florals like jasmine, muguet, narcissus.

• Woody Bases: Blends well with sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, creating musky-woody complexity.

• Fruity Accords: Adds roundness and diffusion to peach, pear, or berry themes.

• Functional Products: Used in soaps, fabric softeners, and air care for its musky-clean background effect.

Recommended usage ranges from 0.1–3% in fine fragrance, up to 5% in fabric softeners or soaps.

Industrial & Technical Uses

• Used in air fresheners, detergents, shampoos, and lotions for musk longevity.

• Compatible with functional formulations due to stability and neutral color.

• May substitute polycyclic musks in “clean label” compositions seeking environmental compliance.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• IFRA Compliance: Not restricted under current IFRA standards (verify specific category usage).

• EU Allergens: Not listed among 26 declarable fragrance allergens.

• Toxicology: Considered non-sensitizing; patch testing shows low irritation potential.

• Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable (macrocyclic musks are preferred for environmental safety).

• Aquatic Toxicity: Low; but handle per standard disposal procedures to avoid unnecessary environmental exposure.

Additional Information

The molecule is also referred to by the trade names Exaltolide (Firmenich) and Muskalactone. Its soft, soapy diffusion is especially useful in creating skin-scent fragrances. Macrolide Supra has become increasingly relevant due to its excellent balance between tenacity and biodegradability, meeting both olfactory and regulatory expectations for modern perfumery.

Sources

• Symrise Ingredient Finder

• The Good Scents Company

• Perfume and Flavor Chemicals – S. Arctander

• Scentspiracy Research Archive (2024)

• Firmenich Exaltolide Product Sheet