Ambrofix™ – Biotech Ambroxan from Sugarcane
Ambrofix™ by Givaudan – The Complete Reference
Ambrofix™ is a Givaudan product from the family of ambroxides (CAS 6790-58-5) – produced via a new-generation biotechnological process from sugarcane. It is among the most widely used and most deeply documented materials in perfumery.
Contents
- What is Ambrofix™?
- What does Ambrofix™ smell like?
- Ambrofix™ and classic ambroxides
- Chemistry and physics
- Dosage and effect
- Dissolving, storing, combining
- Stability
- IFRA status and regulation
- History
- Frequently asked questions
1. What is Ambrofix™?
Ambrofix™ is a bicyclic terpene ether (C₁₆H₂₈O, MW 236.4 g/mol) with a chiral center – chemically known as 3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyldodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan. The form used is the (−)-enantiomer: the olfactorily active form of the molecule with the characteristic amber character.
What distinguishes Ambrofix™ from classic ambroxide materials is not the molecular structure – but the path to it. Givaudan produces Ambrofix™ via a multi-step biotechnological fermentation process from sugarcane. The result: 100% renewable carbon, controlled optical purity of the (−)-enantiomer, a reproducible profile from batch to batch – independent of harvest cycles or climatic fluctuations.
Givaudan describes Ambrofix™ as a particularly powerful, substantive and stable amber material. On the blotter it remains perceptible for a month at dosages of traces to 2%.
2. What does Ambrofix™ smell like?
Ambrofix™ is hard to capture with a single term. Givaudan officially describes the profile with the facets ambery, woody, dry and warm. According to the SDS, the odor threshold is 0.2075 ng/L – the molecule is perceptible even in trace amounts.
On the blotter, Ambrofix™ shows a dry, clearly structured character: sun-warmed wood, mineral nuances, warm skin, the calm elegance of classic ambergris accords. Others perceive a slightly tobacco-like dryness that lends the material additional depth.
Ambrofix™ is perceived as:
- dry woody amber
- warm mineral facets
- clear ambery radiance
- dry tobacco nuances
- transparent woody-amber depth
- subtle skin warmth
- a long-lasting drydown
Geza Schön, perfumer and founder of Escentric Molecules, describes the ambroxide molecular family thus: it unites opposing facets in a single compound – mineral and clear, at the same time warm and animalic. The radiating power is incomparable: a strong yet elegant sillage that lends every fragrance its own dimension.
A well-known phenomenon: about 20% of people perceive ambroxides only to a limited extent – a genetically determined partial anosmia effect. For this group, the molecule can be barely smellable at typical dosages.
3. Ambrofix™ and classic ambroxides – what is the difference?
The molecular structure (CAS 6790-58-5) is identical in all commercial ambroxide products. The difference lies in the manufacturing route and its consequences.
Classic ambroxide materials are obtained semi-synthetically from sclareol – a diterpene from clary sage (Salvia sclarea). This raw material depends on harvest conditions, climate and availability. Quality variations between batches are possible.
Ambrofix™ is produced via a biotechnological fermentation process from sugarcane. Givaudan controls every step of the process. The result: defined optical purity of the (−)-enantiomer, a reproducible odor profile, 100% renewable carbon, readily biodegradable (OECD 301F, 71% after 28 days), no ecotoxicity up to the solubility limit.
All trade names of the ambroxide family (CAS 6790-58-5):
- Ambrofix™ – Givaudan (biotechnological from sugarcane)
- Ambermor® – IFF
- Ambrox® Super – dsm-Firmenich
- Ambroxan® – Kao (semi-synthetic from sclareol)
- Orcanox™ – V. Mane Fils
- Ambroxide cryst. – Symrise
Note: Cetalox® (CAS 3738-00-9) is a different molecule – a racemic mixture with a creamier, more musky profile. Not to be equated with Ambrofix™.
4. Chemistry and physics – why Ambrofix™ lasts so long
The exceptional persistence of Ambrofix™ has physical reasons:
- Very low vapor pressure (0.0006 hPa at 25°C, OECD 104) – the molecule evaporates extremely slowly
- High molecular weight (236.4 g/mol) – heavy molecules remain longer on surfaces
- High Log Pow (5.09, OECD 117) – strong affinity for skin, fibers and waxes
- Chiral (−)-enantiomer – the olfactorily active form with maximum receptor binding
- Odor threshold 0.2075 ng/L – perceptible even in trace amounts
Further physico-chemical data (source: Givaudan SDS v8.1, March 2025):
- Melting point: 75.4°C (CoA test result; specification 74.0–78.0°C)
- Boiling point: 318°C at 1013 hPa
- Flash point: 161°C
- Auto-ignition temperature: 260°C
- Water solubility: 1.88 mg/L at 20°C (practically insoluble)
- pH: 6.5 at 10 g/L
- Surface tension: 67.6 mN/m at 21.6°C
According to the certificate of analysis (country of origin Switzerland), purity is 99.9% (specification ≥99.0%, method ISO 7609 non-polar).
5. Dosage and effect
Ambrofix™ is strongly concentration-dependent in its effect. Givaudan officially states the usage range as traces to 2%.
- 0.05–0.3% – invisible fixation, extends the drydown without a character of its own
- 0.3–1% – subtle amber depth, improves projection and cohesion
- 1–2% – clear Ambrofix™ signature, standalone woody-amber character
- above 2% – Ambrofix™ dominates the base, molecular scent character
For first experiments, a starting point of 0.3–0.5% in the concentrate is advisable – enough to understand the character without it taking over the entire composition.
In practice, considerably higher dosages are used. According to GC-MS analysis, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540 contains Ambroxan at around 17–18% in the concentrate – an example of how far the spectrum reaches in commercial perfumery.
6. In practice – dissolving, storing, combining
Dissolving
- Ambrofix™ is a white crystalline powder (melting point 75°C)
- Dissolves in ethanol, IPM, DPG – slowly, so warm gently (max. 65°C according to Givaudan)
- Stir sufficiently – mechanical stirring recommended for larger amounts
- Above approx. 5% concentration in ethanol or DPG it can crystallize in the cold – not a quality defect, reversible by warming
Storing
- 10–30°C, dry, protected from light, tightly closed
- Shelf life: 24 months
Synergies
- ISO E Super® – reinforces woody projection, dry woody-amber depth with the halo effect
- Cashmeran® – warms the character, adds a velvety cashmere note
- Galaxolide 50% in DPG – rounds out the drydown, connects amber with a soft musk
- Sandalore™ – complements the woody side with sandalwood-like creaminess
- Hedione – opens the composition, lends an airy floral dimension
- Peonile™ (Givaudan recommendation) – 60% Ambrofix™ + 40% Peonile™ for a fruity-floral amber base
7. Stability
Ambrofix™ shows ★★★★★ stability in every application type tested by Givaudan – from acidic fabric softener to alkaline bleach:
- Fabric conditioner (pH 3) ★★★★★
- Antiperspirant (pH 3.5) ★★★★★
- Shampoo (pH 6) ★★★★★
- APC / all-purpose cleaner (pH 9) ★★★★★
- Fabric detergent liquid (pH 9) ★★★★★
- Soap (pH 10) ★★★★★ – bloom in soap also ★★★★★
- Powder detergent (pH 10.5) ★★★★★
- Liquid bleach (pH 11) ★★★★★
Ambrofix™ is not classified as a hazardous substance under (EC) No. 1272/2008. According to the safety data sheet (version 8.1, March 2025), animal studies showed no skin or eye irritation (rabbit, OECD 404/405), no sensitization (human at 5% in petrolatum as well as maximization test on the guinea pig, OECD 406) and a negative result in the phototoxicity test. Acute oral and dermal toxicity are each above 2,000 mg/kg (rat and rabbit respectively). In ecotoxicological tests on zebrafish and water flea, no toxicity was found up to the solubility limit.
8. IFRA status and regulation
Ambrofix™ (CAS 6790-58-5) is not subject to any quantity IFRA restrictions in any application category.
Note: the recommendation of 1% stated on The Good Scents Company (TGSC) is not an IFRA standard – it is a personal assessment by the database operator with no normative significance.
Further regulatory data (Givaudan SDS v8.1, March 2025):
- REACH registration number: 01-2120070784-50
- Not on the SVHC candidate list
- Not a PBT or vPvB substance
- No endocrine-disrupting properties (REACH Art. 57f)
- Not classified as a dangerous good (ADR/IMDG/IATA)
- WGK 2 – do not allow to enter waterways or drains
9. History – from ambergris to Ambrofix™
Natural ambergris – the rare secretion from the digestive tract of the sperm whale – was considered one of the most valuable raw materials in perfumery for centuries. Its effect: fragrances became deeper, more harmonious, longer-lasting. At the same time it was rare, expensive and ethically problematic.
In the 1950s, Firmenich achieved the first chemical synthesis of ambroxide from sclareol. There followed Ambroxan by Kao, Ambrox Super by Firmenich, Ambroxide by Symrise – each with its own profile and process, all dependent on plant raw materials with their natural fluctuations.
Ambrofix™ marks the next step in this development: Givaudan frees itself from dependence on plant starting materials and produces the same molecule biotechnologically – with controlled purity, a reproducible profile and 100% renewable carbon.
For the perfumer this means: a material that behaves the same today, tomorrow and in two years. No batch-to-batch variations in the odor profile, no dependence on harvest years. This is not a marketing promise – it is a consequence of the manufacturing process.
Frequently asked questions about Ambrofix™
Is Ambrofix™ the same as Ambroxan?
Ambrofix™ and classic Ambroxan materials share the same molecular structure (CAS 6790-58-5). The difference lies in the manufacturing process: Ambrofix™ is produced biotechnologically from sugarcane – with controlled optical purity and 100% renewable carbon. Classic Ambroxan is produced semi-synthetically from sclareol (clary sage).
Are there IFRA restrictions for Ambrofix™?
No. CAS 6790-58-5 is not subject to any quantity IFRA restrictions in any application category. The 1% recommendation stated on TGSC is not an IFRA standard.
How long does Ambrofix™ remain perceptible?
According to Givaudan, one month on the blotter at dosages of traces to 2%. On the skin, persistence depends on skin type, dosage and formulation.
Why do some people not smell Ambrofix™?
About 20% of people have a partial anosmia to ambroxides – they perceive the molecule only weakly or not at all. This is genetically determined.
How do you dissolve Ambrofix™?
In ethanol, IPM or DPG – gently warmed (max. 65°C) and sufficiently stirred. Above approx. 5% concentration it can crystallize in the cold – reversible by warming.
What is the difference between Ambrofix™ and Cetalox®?
Cetalox® (CAS 3738-00-9) is a different molecule – a racemic mixture with a creamier, more musky profile. Both belong to the amber family but are not interchangeable.
Is Ambrofix™ vegan?
Yes. Produced biotechnologically from sugarcane, without animal components.
Is Ambrofix™ hazardous to water?
In Germany classified as WGK 2 – do not allow to enter waterways or drains. Acute toxicity to aquatic animals was not found up to the solubility limit. The material is readily biodegradable.
Which synergies does Givaudan recommend?
Givaudan recommends 60% Ambrofix™ + 40% Peonile™ for a fruity-floral amber base. In practice, combinations with ISO E Super®, Cashmeran® and Galaxolide also work well.