Terpene Ether Aroma Chemicals

The invention relates to fragrant compositions and more particularly relates to a fragrance composition which includes isobornyl 2-hydroxypropyl ether as an active ingredient.

1-[(1,7,7-trimethylbicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-yl)oxy]-propan-2-ol or isobornyl 2-hydroxypropyl ether (IBHPE) is a known compound as is the method of its preparation; see for example Matsubara et al., Synthesis of Terpenyl Hydroxyalkyl Ethers From Various Terpene Hydrocarbons And A Few Glycols, Yu Kagaku, Vol. 24, No. 3, pp. 28-29, 1975, which reported that the compound has a weak terpenyl ester-like fragrance, useful only as a retaining agent for fragrances.

The U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,443,633; 4,354,043; and 4,521,634 describe homologs or analogs of isobornyl 2-hydroxypropyl ether and their use in perfumery.

The invention comprises a perfume composition, which comprises; an effective amount for olfactory detection, of isobornyl 2-hydroxypropyl ether; and a perfumery acceptable carrier.

Isobornyl 2-hydroxypropyl ether, i.e.; the compound of formula: ##STR1## when added to and admixed with a conventional and perfumery acceptable carrier exhibits an unexpected woody tone. As such it is useful in perfumery.

In perfume compositions, it is the individual components which contribute their particular olfactory characteristics. However, the overall sensory effect of the perfume composition will be at least the sum total of the effects of each of the ingredients. Thus, the composition of matter prepared in accordance with the process of our invention can be used to alter, modify or enhance the aroma characteristic of a perfume composition, for example, by utilizing or moderating the olfactory reaction contributed by another ingredient or other ingredients in the composition.

The amount of isobornyl 2-hydroxypropyl ether used in accordance with the process of our invention is an olfactory detectable proportion. Such a proportion may be within the range of from about 0.001 to 50 percent by weight of the total perfumery composition. The amount will be effective in perfume compositions as well as in perfumed articles (e.g. perfumed polymers, anionic, nonionic, cationic or zwitterionic detergents, soaps, fabric softener compositions, fabric softener articles and hair preparations) and colognes.

Perfumery acceptable carriers are well known and are represented by a liquid, such as a non-toxic alcohol (e.g. ethyl alcohol), a non-toxic glycol (e.g. 1,2-propylene glycol) or the like. The carrier can also be an absorbent solid such as a gum (e.g. gum arabic or xanthan gum) or components for encapsulating the composition (such as a gelatin) as by coacervation or polymers such as urea formaldehyde polymers.

The compositions of the invention may be prepared by a simple, homogeneous admixture of the carrier and the active ingredient.

The following examples describe the manner and process of making and using the invetion and set forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention. All parts are by weight unless otherwise stated.

Two compositions are prepared by mixing the following ingredients:

The addition of isobornyl 2-hydroxypropyl ether (IBHPE) to this moder masculine Fougere accord extends the Patchouli character and impacts a rich woody vityvert theme in the composition (A), not found in the control (composition B).

Two components are prepared by mixing the following ingredients:

IBHPE renders depth to fragrance, making it more long lasting and giving it more radiance and power as observed in the composition (A) and found lacking in the composition (B) a control.

Two compositions are made by mixing the following ingredients:

Isobornyl-2-hydroxypropyl ether adds a thickness to the above accord of composition (A) and enhances its woody, ambre characteristics. These advantages are not found in the control composition (B).