Kohinool, IFF’s proprietary trade name for the compound 3,4,5,6,6-pentamethylheptan-2-ol-also known as pentamethyl heptanol-is an outstanding testament to the achievements of modern organic chemistry. Unlike classic materials with centuries of history, Kohinool is a fully synthetic fragrance ingredient, born during a period when the fragrance industry was eager to discover new woody molecules with strong diffusion to suit the “clean” and minimalist scent trend.
In its form as a free-flowing, clear, colorless liquid, this material offers an olfactive profile featuring dry woods, amber nuances, a touch of powdery “dust,” and a faint suggestion of vetiver root. Kohinool has become a highly versatile note, acting as an ideal bridge that links floral facets with natural woody materials without clouding the accord or weighing the formula down. Thanks to its excellent chemical stability, Kohinool is valued not only in fine fragrance but is also widely used in everyday functional products such as soap and fabric softener.
Description
Belonging to the refined Woody–Ambery family, Kohinool plays an important role from the heart through the base, functioning as both a fixative and an effective blending agent. Its scent character is dry and warm yet not overly intense, with an ambery veil and a soft powdery nuance reminiscent of orris root or violet flower. At times it can evoke vetiver, but in a cleaner version with less earthy tone.
With medium intensity, Kohinool does not burst out aggressively at first; instead, it diffuses smoothly, while still providing good longevity on skin and blotter-helping extend the life of accompanying floral or citrus notes. Because of this, it is often used as a backbone for woody, floral, and oriental accords, serving as a soft connector between natural woods such as sandalwood and cedar and seductive florals like rose and jasmine. Beyond rounding out compositions and reducing the harshness of other synthetics to create a velvety effect, Kohinool also shines in classic pairings: with ionones for a modern elegant feel, with vetiver to add depth, or to anchor fast-evaporating citrus notes in sporty fragrances. As a mobile liquid, it can be used neat or pre-diluted in solvents such as DPG or ethanol for easier weighing and dosing depending on the application.
Applications
Kohinool shows remarkable flexibility across many areas-from men’s fougère or woody aromatic fragrances to modern unisex lines, as well as personal care and home-fragrance products such as scented candles. In particular, because its chemical structure is a robust secondary alcohol stable in both alkaline and acidic environments, it is a preferred choice for bar soaps, laundry powders, and household cleaners. From a safety standpoint, Kohinool is considered skin-friendly and low-irritant, and it is currently not subject to strict IFRA limitations-allowing perfumers to use it flexibly at 1% to 10% in fine fragrance, or at higher levels in functional products to ensure lasting scent.
Although quite stable, to maintain the best quality it should be stored in tightly sealed packaging in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight. In the world of commercial perfumery, Kohinool often plays a quiet, behind-the-scenes role as a blending material that adds a clean, dry effect to fougère-woody structures, rather than being heavily promoted like Ambroxan or Iso E Super. And because it is a modern IFF creation, we will not find information about it in Steffen Arctander’s classic 1969 book.
All orders will be processed within 1-2 business days from the time the order is confirmed.
Free shipping is available for orders valued at $200 or more.
Delivery time is 1-3 business days for local areas, 3-7 days for suburban and nationwide deliveries, and 1-4 weeks for international orders.
You have 30 days from the date of receipt to initiate the return process.
