Ambroxide


Ambroxide, widely known by the brand name Ambroxan, is a naturally occurring terpenoid and one of the key constituents responsible for the odor of ambergris. It is an autoxidation product of ambrein. Ambroxide is used in perfumery for creating ambergris notes and as a fixative. Ambroxide has a scent with woody, musky and slightly salty nuances. Another name for ambroxan is ambrocenide. Small amounts are used as a flavoring in food.

Synthesis

Ambroxide is synthesized from sclareol, a component of the essential oil of clary sage. Sclareol is oxidatively degraded to a lactone, which is hydrogenated to the corresponding diol. The resulting compound is dehydrated to form ambroxide.