Symrise
Coumarone (Symrise) | Tonka Ketone
Coumarone (Symrise) | Tonka Ketone
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Coumarone – Symrise
Coumarone is the "tonka ketone" from Symrise: chemically 2-acetylbenzofuran (1-(1-benzofuran-2-yl)ethanone, CAS 1646-26-0) – not to be confused with the solvent benzofuran (CAS 271-89-6) and not identical to coumarin. Olfactively, however, it sits right in tonka-coumarin territory: balsamic, powdery, with hints of orange flower and heliotrope. It is supplied as white to beige crystals.
Odour profile
- "Balsamic, Tonka, Orange Flower" (official Symrise descriptors)
- "Provides a soothing, powdery richness to floriental fragrances" (official manufacturer description)
- Underlines typical heliotrope characteristics
- Adds balsamic aspects to fruit notes such as grape and plum
- Physical form: white to beige crystals
Role in the formula
Coumarone works in the base and heart 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 %: at low doses it rounds off heliotrope and orange flower accords, at higher doses it becomes a balsamic tonka theme. The manufacturer also documents its use in fruit notes – grape and plum gain balsamic depth from Coumarone.
Use in perfumery
- Fine fragrance: use level 0.1–5 % in the concentrate
- The manufacturer's application and stability table covers approx. 0.3–8 % across eau de toilette, soap, lotion and detergent
- Documented fields: floriental fragrances, heliotrope accords, fruit notes (grape, plum)
- Intended exclusively for perfumery purposes (manufacturer data)
Practical note: dissolving, storing, combining
Dissolving: As crystals, dissolve before formula work – a 10 % pre-dilution in ethanol or DPG is usual and can be dosed precisely.
Storage: Store cool, dry, protected from light and tightly closed.
Combining: Documented partners according to the manufacturer: floriental structures, heliotrope accords, orange flower and fruit notes such as grape and plum.
What Coumarone is – and what it is not
The name is easily misleading, so for clarity: Symrise Coumarone is 2-acetylbenzofuran (benzofuran-2-yl methyl ketone, CAS 1646-26-0). It is not benzofuran/"coumarone" (CAS 271-89-6) and not coumarin – even though its odour points in the same tonka direction, hence the nickname "tonka ketone". The molecule does not occur in nature and, at 75.0 %, is readily biodegradable. The manufacturer is Symrise AG, Holzminden.
More on our encyclopedia page Coumarone – the tonka ketone.
Safety information
According to the manufacturer's data (Symrise), 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. At 75.0 %, the material is readily biodegradable.
Physico-Chemical Properties
| Manufacturer | Symrise AG, Holzminden |
| Product name | Coumarone |
| Odour family | Balsamic-tonka (Balsamic, Tonka, Orange Flower) |
| Perfumery role | Heart to base note – balsamic-powdery richness for florientals |
| Physical form | White to beige crystals |
| Molecular formula | C10H8O2 |
| Molecular weight | 160.2 g/mol |
| CAS No. | 1646-26-0 |
| EC No. | 216-706-9 |
| REACH registration number | 01-2120760172-62 |
| Log P | 1.97 (manufacturer data) |
| Boiling point | 270.3 °C |
| Flash point | > 100 °C |
| Use level (dosage) | 0.1–5 % |
| Biodegradability | 75.0 % – readily biodegradable |
FAQ
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" – but chemically they are clearly different.
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, CAS 1646-26-0.
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.
What is Coumarone used for?
For floriental fragrances (soft, powdery richness), heliotrope and orange flower accords, and for the balsamic deepening of fruit notes such as grape and plum.
Is Coumarone hazardous?
According to the manufacturer's data, it is classified as a skin sensitiser (H317) – wear gloves. At 75.0 %, it is readily biodegradable.
Hazard statements (CLP labelling)
Signal word: Warning
H statements:
H317 – May cause an allergic skin reaction.
P statements:
P261 – Avoid breathing dust.
P272 – Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P280 – Wear protective gloves.
P302+P352 – IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P333+P313 – If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P362+P364 – Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse.
Classification according to the manufacturer's data; the labelling on the container label is authoritative.
Important notice
This product is a perfumery raw material intended exclusively for fragrance development, creative experimentation, education and the study of perfumery materials.
It is not a finished cosmetic product.
Please use responsibly.
