Chemical Properties
Tonka bean absolute is prepared by solvent extraction either directly from the
so-called Tonka beans or via the concrete. Tonka beans are the seeds of fruits
from Dipteryx odorata (Aubl.) Willd. (Fabaceae) growing in South America, for
example, in the Brazilian Amazon basin.
Tonka bean absolute is a solid or crystalline mass with a sweet, caramel-like
odor, reminiscent of coumarin, which is the main constituent of the volatile part
of the absolute. In perfumery, tonka bean absolute is used as a fixative and
produces a dry sweetness in men’s fragrances.
Definition
Extractives and their physically modified derivatives. It consists primarily of resins, essential oils, and usually cinnamic and benzoic acids.
