Β-Santalol

β-Santalol is an organic compound that is classified as a sesquiterpene. It comprises about 20% of the oil of sandalwood, the major component being α-santalol. In 2002, about 60 tons of sandalwood oil were produced by steam distillation of the heartwood of Santalum album. It is used in perfumery as a fixative, modifier and dominant.
Because of concerns about the sustainability of sandalwood tree cultivation, scientists have developed routes to α-santalol and β-santalol via fermentation, including using Rhodobacter sphaeroides. BASF launched its version under their Isobionics brand in July 2020.