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Tobacco Absolute (CAS 84961-66-0) Technical Ingredient Overview
🔎 Chemical Name — Nicotiana Tabacum (Tobacco) Leaf Extract / Tobacco, ext.
🧪 Synonyms — Tobacco Absolute, Tobacco Leaf Extract, Nicotiana tabacum extract
📂 CAS Number — 84961-66-0
📘 FEMA Number — N/A
🔢 EC Number — 284-656-5
⚖️ Molecular Weight — N/A (Complex natural mixture)
🔬 Molecular Formula — N/A (Complex natural mixture)
📝 Odor Type — Tobacco, Woody, Leathery
📈 Odor Strength — High / Very potent
👃🏼 Odor Profile — Rich, warm woody aroma reminiscent of fine pipe tobacco, with mossy, earthy, sweet (hay, molasses, dried fruit), and smooth leathery nuances.
⚗️ Uses — Fine fragrances, cosmetics, and perfumery (skin conditioning and perfuming).
🧴 Appearance — Dark brown, viscous liquid to semi-solid.
Additional Physical Properties
🌡️ Melting Point — N/A
🔥 Boiling Point — ~355 °C [at 101 325 Pa]
💧 Density — 0.936 - 0.973 g/mL at 25 °C
🔍 Refractive Index — n 20/D 1.508
💧 Solubility — Soluble in ethanol and oils.
🔄 Specific Rotation — N/A
✅ Purity — 100% Natural Extract (Note: standard absolute may contain ~9% nicotine unless treated/nicotine-free).
🧬 Biogenic Carbon Content — 100%
What is Tobacco Absolute?
Tobacco absolute is a complex natural extract obtained from the leaves of the tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum or Nicotiana rustica, family Solanaceae). Typically produced via solvent extraction from the concrete, the resulting absolute is a highly viscous, dark brown material heavily prized in perfumery for its profound warmth, sweetness, and unmistakable rich, leathery, and hay-like facets.
Historical Background
Tobacco is native to the Americas and was introduced to Europe in the 16th century. While initially consumed through smoking and sniffing, its deeply aromatic qualities soon caught the attention of perfumers. Historically, tobacco notes have been used to construct masculine fragrances, amber bases, and dry woody accords. Today, authentic tobacco absolute remains an ultimate trophy piece for aromatic connoisseurs, bringing a luxurious depth that synthetic replications struggle to match perfectly.
Olfactory Profile
Scent Family
Woody / Ambery / Leathery
Main Descriptors
Tobacco, leather, sweet hay, mossy, damp earth, molasses, dried fruit, smoky, and warm wood.
Intensity
Very potent; even trace amounts can significantly impact a composition.
Tenacity
Extreme persistence on the smelling strip and high substantivity on skin.
Applications in Fine Fragrance
Tobacco absolute is a staple in creating deep, rich, and enveloping fragrances. It is most often utilized in masculine or unisex profiles to add a layer of sophistication and warmth.
Amber & Oriental Accords (0.1 - 2%) — Enhances the richness, blending seamlessly with vanilla, labdanum, and resins to create a sweet, opulent base.
Leather Accords (0.1 - 1%) — Adds depth, warmth, and a realistic smoky-sweet leather facet without overwhelming sharpness.
Chypre / Fougère Accords (0.1 - 0.5%) — Complements oakmoss and coumarin (tonka bean) with an earthy, mossy sweetness and dry hay nuances.
Performance in Formula
Fixative Power — Excellent. Acts as a strong fixative due to its heavy molecular profile and low volatility.
Radiance Effect — Provides dark warmth, depth, and density rather than top-note radiance.
Stability — Generally stable in alcohol-based perfumes, though its dark color may tint the final product.
Compatibility — Blends exceptionally well with beeswax absolute, clary sage, clove, cassia, sandalwood, patchouli, and cedarwood.
Solubility — Soluble in alcohol (ethanol) and carrier oils.
Industrial & Technical Uses
Functional Perfumery — Used sparingly in high-end candles or room sprays for a rich, warm, club-like atmosphere.
Personal Care — Sometimes utilized in luxury masculine grooming products.
Flavor Industry — Nicotine-free extracts are occasionally used in specific flavor applications.
Cosmetics — Functions as a perfuming and skin-conditioning agent.
Regulatory & Safety Overview
IFRA Status
Restricted / Subject to IFRA standards. The presence of nicotine and specific sensitizers means usage must be carefully monitored and restricted to safe limits. Often, nicotine-free grades are preferred to circumvent strict toxicity limitations.
EU Cosmetics Regulation
Permitted, but formulators must ensure compliance regarding nicotine limits and potential allergens.
EU REACH
Registered (EC 284-656-5).
FEMA Status
Not generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for widespread food use without specific processing (e.g., nicotine removal).
GHS Classification
Slightly hazardous; standard absolute contains nicotine and should be handled with care (protective equipment recommended). Will ignite if overheated.
Toxicology
Sensitization — Potential skin sensitizer; test accordingly.
Phototoxicity — No major phototoxicity reported, but handle with standard precautions for absolutes.
General — Toxic if swallowed or absorbed heavily through the skin (due to nicotine content).
Environmental Considerations
Biodegradability — Natural product, generally biodegradable.
Bioaccumulation — Low risk.
Sustainability Credentials
As a natural agricultural product, sustainability depends heavily on the specific manufacturer's sourcing, farming practices, and extraction ethics.
Related Ingredients on Scentspiracy
Woody / Ambery / Leathery:
References
The Good Scents Company (TGSC) Database: Nicotiana tabacum leaf extract (CAS 84961-66-0)
Sigma-Aldrich / Perfumer Supply House Data Sheets
ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) Substance Information
PubChem Database
