Chemical Properties
4,6,6,7,8,8-Hexamethyl-1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydrocyclopenta[g]benzopyran is a viscous liquid with
a musk-like odor. It is one of the most frequently used synthetic, artificial musk
fragrances.The starting material for its synthesis is 1,1,2,3,3-pentamethylindane,
which is prepared by cycloaddition of tert-amylene to α-methylstyrene. The
pentamethylindane is hydroxyalkylated with propylene oxide in a Friedel–Crafts
reaction using aluminum chloride as a catalyst (analogous to the synthesis
of phenylethyl alcohol from benzene and ethylene oxide . Ring
closure of the resulting 1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-5-(β-hydroxyisopropyl)indane
is accomplished with paraformaldehyde and a lower aliphatic alcohol via the
acetal or with paraformaldehyde and a carboxylic acid anhydride via the
acylate.
The commercial product is diluted with solvents (e.g., diethyl phthalate, isopropyl
myristate, benzyl benzoate) to make it less viscous. It is alkali-stable and does not
discolor in light. Therefore, it is a popular ingredient of perfume compositions for
soaps, detergents, and cosmetics and is used in large amounts.
Uses
Galaxolide is a polycyclic musk (PCM) used as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, soaps, cosmetics and detergents.
Definition
ChEBI: An organic heterotricyclic compound that is 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydrocyclopenta[g]isochromene substituted by methyl groups at positions 4, 6, 6, 7, 8 and 8 respectively. It is a synthetic musk used as a fragrance in cosmetics.
General Description
1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[g]-2-benzopyran is an isochromone with a strong musk odor, commonly used in fragrances.
