Coumarone – the tonka ketone
Coumarone – the tonka ketone
Coumarone is the "tonka ketone" from Symrise: a balsamic-powdery material in tonka-coumarin territory, with hints of orange flower and heliotrope – and, despite its name, neither coumarin nor benzofuran. This page summarises what the manufacturer data say about the chemistry, character, use and classification of the material.
Contents
- What Coumarone is – and what it is not
- Odour profile
- Role in the formula and dosage
- Dissolving and storage
- Classification
- Frequently asked questions
1. What Coumarone is – and what it is not
Symrise Coumarone is chemically 2-acetylbenzofuran (1-(1-benzofuran-2-yl)ethanone, CAS 1646-26-0, EC 216-706-9) with the molecular formula C10H8O2 and a molecular weight of 160.2 g/mol. The name is easily misleading: it is not the solvent benzofuran/"coumarone" (CAS 271-89-6) and not coumarin. Because its odour points in the same tonka direction as coumarin, it carries the nickname "tonka ketone".
The molecule does not occur in nature. The manufacturer is Symrise AG, Holzminden. It is supplied as white to beige crystals; according to the manufacturer it is readily biodegradable at 75.0 %.
2. Odour profile
Symrise describes Coumarone with the descriptors "Balsamic, Tonka, Orange Flower". According to the manufacturer's description it gives floriental fragrances a soft, powdery richness ("Provides a soothing, powdery richness to floriental fragrances"). It underlines typical heliotrope characteristics and adds balsamic aspects to fruit notes such as grape and plum.
3. Role in the formula and dosage
Coumarone works as a heart to base note in the base of oriental and floriental compositions. It delivers the balsamic-powdery tonka warmth that is otherwise built with coumarin – but it is a ketone in its own right, with its own profile leaning towards orange flower and heliotrope.
Symrise states a use level of 0.1–5 % in the concentrate: at low doses it rounds off heliotrope and orange flower accords, at higher doses it becomes a balsamic tonka theme. The manufacturer's application and stability table covers approx. 0.3–8 % across eau de toilette, soap, lotion and detergent.
4. Dissolving and storage
As crystals, Coumarone is dissolved before formula work – a 10 % pre-dilution in ethanol or DPG is usual and can be dosed precisely. Store cool, dry, protected from light and tightly closed.
5. Classification
According to the manufacturer's data, Coumarone is classified with GHS07 and the signal word "Warning": H317 (may cause an allergic skin reaction). Avoid skin contact when handling the crystals and wear protective gloves. The flash point is above 100 °C, the boiling point 270.3 °C.
Frequently asked questions
Is Coumarone the same as coumarin?
No. Coumarone is the ketone 2-acetylbenzofuran (CAS 1646-26-0); coumarin is a different molecule. Olfactively both sit in tonka territory – hence the nickname "tonka ketone".
Is Coumarone benzofuran?
No. Benzofuran ("coumarone", CAS 271-89-6) is a different molecule. Symrise Coumarone is its acetyl derivative: 1-(1-benzofuran-2-yl)ethanone.
How should Coumarone be dosed?
Symrise states 0.1–5 % in the concentrate; the manufacturer's application table goes up to approx. 8 %. As crystals, it is best worked from a 10 % pre-dilution.