Synthetic

Indole

Note Profile

Molecule 8 perfumes

About

Floral-animalic with jasmine and narcotic character

Scent Profile

Indole is both floral and animalic, with narcotic, slightly fecal undertones at higher concentrations. At trace dilution - the dose perfumery actually uses - it reads as a dense, waxy white floral: heavy jasmine, warm tuberose, a creamy thickness that coats the throat. In that form it lends a rich, heady, naturalistic facet to jasmine, tuberose and orange blossom. Its character evolves from sharp and pungent to velvety and enveloping as it diffuses.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeBase · ~36h lasting

Family Floral, Amber · Musk · Leather

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

indole

Names this molecule

CAS 120-72-9

The note name IS the molecule.

How the layers join

Origin

Indole is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound originally isolated from coal tar and also found naturally in many flowers, especially jasmine, as well as in animal matter. In perfumery, it is almost exclusively produced synthetically for consistency and purity.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use indole in minute quantities to add depth and realism to floral accords, particularly in heart notes. It is essential in recreating the narcotic aura of jasmine, tuberose, and gardenia, and can enhance animalic or musky compositions. Indole is often blended with other white florals, musks, and woody notes.