Chemical Properties
The main constituents
are (Z)- and (E′)-3-methylcyclopentadec-5-en-1-one. Colorless to light yellow liquid
with a powerful, elegantmusk note reminiscent of nitromusks with a natural
animalic undertone. It is recommended for use in perfume oils for a wide range
of applications, for example, for fine fragrances, for perfuming beauty and fabric
care products, and for perfuming cleaners.
3-Methylcyclopentadecenone is produced by rearrangement of 14-methyl-
16-oxabicyclo[10.3.1]hexadec-1(15)-ene catalyzed by phosphoric acid.
The starting material is obtained by a multistep process starting from cyclododecanone.
Uses
This unsaturated ketone, which yields dl-Muscone upon hydrogenation, has been suggested as a modifier for the related ketones and lactones. It is equally expensive to prepare, and not as natural-musky in its character when compared to l-Muscone.
