Oxyoctaline Formate (Givaudan) | Woody-Amber Molecule

Oxyoctaline Formate – Givaudan

Oxyoctaline Formate is no ordinary woody accord. Its dry, ambered, olibanum-like character blends with natural woody notes so effortlessly that the transition between synthetic and natural material disappears.

Odor character

• Woody, dry, green, powerful (official sensory profile)
• Ambered, olibanum-like (frankincense-like) facets
• Subtle resin notes, a slightly dusty nuance
• Clear, long-lasting base – without pronounced sweetness or heaviness
• Good tenacity on the blotter (approx. one week)

Role in the formula

With a tenacity of one week on the blotter, Oxyoctaline Formate belongs to the base notes. According to the manufacturer, it blends very well with most woody notes and brings an interesting olibanum effect – so it works supportively on existing woody accords rather than as a standalone top note. The performance data confirm this role: a very good substantivity when wet and a good effect in soap bases are typical of a material that supports other components and holds the formula together over time.

Use in perfumery

Oxyoctaline Formate is suited to woody-amber compositions, woody base accords, incense-oriented fragrances and resinous structures. It supports natural woody notes without overpowering them and builds a dry, long-lasting drydown that lends compositions depth without weighing them down. Sweet accords recede into the background, while woody facets appear clearer.

The molecule is typically used at a dosage of 0.5% to 10%. It is colorless to slightly yellowish, liquid and practically insoluble in water (2.2 mg/L), with a Log Pow of 5 – so it dissolves considerably better in fatty and alcoholic carriers than in water. In functional applications it also shows good substantivity both wet and dry as well as a good effect in soap bases, which makes it interesting for soap, shampoo and detergent formulations too.

Practical note: dissolving, storing, combining

Dissolving: Practically insoluble in water, readily soluble in fatty and alcoholic solvents (Log Pow 5).

Storing: Store at 10–30 °C, dry and well-ventilated. Protect from light, keep under nitrogen. Keep containers tightly closed.

Combining: Oxyoctaline Formate shows good odor stability in most alkaline and slightly acidic application bases – from fabric softeners and shampoos to soaps and liquid detergents. In strongly alkaline systems such as liquid bleach, the effect drops noticeably. The full stability table by pH value can be found in our detailed reference.

Safety information

Oxyoctaline Formate is classified under GHS as hazardous to water (Aquatic Acute 1 / Chronic 1, H410 – very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects), signal word "Warning." In Germany this corresponds to water hazard class 2. Accordingly: do not allow to enter wastewater, waterways or soil.

For acute toxicity, the values are in the harmless range: the oral LD50 in the rat is above 5,000 mg/kg. In skin tests on the guinea pig, no skin irritation was seen, and in sensitization tests in humans (HRIPT) and in animals, no sensitizing potential was found. Phototoxicity and genotoxicity also tested negative.

The flash point is 138 °C (closed cup) – the material is thus among the flammable but not easily ignitable liquids. Usual precautions for handling concentrated aroma materials apply as always: gloves when working openly, safety goggles, no discharge into the drain.

Physico-chemical properties

FAQ

Is Oxyoctaline Formate a natural material?
No, it is a synthetic molecule by Givaudan.

What dosage should be used?
The usual usage range is between 0.5% and 10%, depending on the desired intensity and type of composition.

What does Oxyoctaline Formate combine well with?
It harmonizes best with natural wood raw materials, whose character it underscores without overpowering them.

Is Oxyoctaline Formate environmentally hazardous?
It is classified as very toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H410). With proper use and appropriate disposal, the material is safe to handle – it is important that it does not enter wastewater.

Hazard Information (CLP Labelling)

Important note

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.