Indole is a powerful aroma chemical used in perfumery, especially for creating realistic white-floral fragrances. It occurs naturally in small amounts in several flowers, including jasmine and orange blossom. At very low concentrations, Indole contributes a rich, warm, sensual, floral and jasmine-like character. At high concentrations, however, its odor becomes strongly animalic and unpleasant, so it is normally used carefully in fragrance compositions.The unusual feature of Indole is that its character changes dramatically with concentration. In trace amounts it can make floral accords smell richer, more natural and more diffusive, while excessive amounts can become intensely animalic.
Chemical Name: Indole
CAS No.: 120-72-9
Molecular Formula: C₈H₇N
Molecular Weight: 117.15 g/mol
Appearance: White to pale-yellow crystalline material
Function: Aroma chemical / fragrance ingredient
Odor Profile: Floral • Jasmine-like • Animalic • Warm • Musky • Slightly Woody
Application Purpose
Jasmine Accords: Adds depth, realism and natural floral character
Orange Blossom: Enhances rich white-floral notes
Tuberose: Adds sensuality and floral depth
Gardenia: Helps create creamy, natural floral character
Narcissus-type Accords: Adds depth and complexity
White Floral Perfumes: Gives richness and diffusion
Animalic Accords: Provides warm, sensual animalic character
Oriental/Amber Fragrances: Adds depth and warmth
Fine Fragrance: Used in perfumes, colognes and fragrance concentrates
Soap & Cosmetics: Used as part of fragrance compositions
Blends Well With
Indole works particularly well with jasmine, orange blossom/neroli, tuberose, ylang-ylang, rose, gardenia, musk, sandalwood, amber and other floral aroma chemicals.
Important: Indole is a fragrance ingredient, not a skincare active. Because it is a very powerful aroma chemical, relatively small amounts can have a major effect on the finished fragrance.
