Synthetic Ingredient Overview
🏭 Manufacturer: Bedoukian Research Inc.
🔎 IUPAC Name: 2-Ethyl-1,3,3-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ol
🧪 Synonyms: Terrasol FCC, 2-Ethyl Fenchol, 2-Ethyl Norbornanol
🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₂₂O
📂 CAS N°: 18368-91-7
📘 FEMA: 3491
⚖️ Molecular Weight: 182.30 g/mol
📝 Odor Type: Earthy-Green
📈 Odor Strength: Medium to high / very diffusive
👃🏼 Odor Profile: Humid soil, rainy earth, patchouli, wet moss, faint pine nuance
⚗️ Primary Uses: Earthy base booster, patchouli-vetiver enhancer, rain accord builder
🧴 Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid
What is Terrasol?
Terrasol FCC is the FCC-grade form of 2-Ethyl Fenchol, a highly diffusive synthetic alcohol belonging to the fenchyl alcohol family. It possesses a rigid tricyclic structure that contributes to its long-lasting earthy-mineral signature, often described as astonishingly true-to-nature.
While older descriptions occasionally refer to an “ambergris” nuance, its primary value lies in its wet-earth, mineral-patchouli effect. The material performs well as a standalone note or in tandem with other earthy, rooty, or green molecules like vetiverol, geosmin, or moss derivatives.
Olfactory Profile and Perfumery Applications
Terrasol is unique in offering a realistic wet-soil signature that functions in both artistic and functional perfumery. Its scent is immediately recognizable as humid, rain-soaked earth, and it integrates exceptionally well in:
Rain/atmospheric accords: Core element in stormy, petrichor, or vegetal-earthy effects
Patchouli and vetiver enhancers: Boosts the naturality and realism of rooty facets
Orientals and fougères: Adds complexity to moss, oakwood, or ambery blends
Modern florals and aquatic bases: Brings grounding contrast to transparent top notes
Functional perfumery: Used for its stability in oxidizing environments (e.g., bleach systems)
Flavor Profile and Use
Flavor Profile: Green, woody-rosy, earthy
Use Level in Flavorings: 0.1–10 ppm
Application: Enhances berry flavors (especially raspberry, blackberry) with subtle earthy-rosy nuance
Regulatory Status: FEMA 3491 – approved for limited food use
Regulatory and Safety Overview
IFRA: Compliant within standard use levels; not subject to IFRA restrictions as of the 51st Amendment
EU Allergens: Not included among the 26 mandatory declarable substances
FEMA GRAS: FEMA 3491 – approved for flavor use under controlled conditions
ECHA (REACH): Registered and not classified as hazardous
Toxicology: Low toxicity; not classified as sensitizer or respiratory hazard
Environmental Profile: Not classified as PBT or vPvB
✅ Safe for use in both fragrance and food applications when dosed appropriately.
Sources
Bedoukian Research Inc. – Product Code 818, Terrasol FCC
FEMA GRAS Database – Entry 3491
ECHA Substance Information – CAS 18368-91-7
Fulvio Ciccolo, Scentspiracy Field Evaluation (2021)
Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, S. Arctander
Internal Rain Accord Study – Scentspiracy Creative Archive