Sandela®

Synthesis route :

Sandela® is part of a mixture of isomers synthesized by reaction between Camphene and Guaiacol, in the presence of a Lewis acid such as boron trifluoride. During this first stage, the Camphene undergoes a rearrangement in three forms: Isocamphyl, Isofenchyl and Isobornyl, which gives rise to the mixture of isomers. A high temperature catalytic hydrogenation of these derivatives allows to obtain a new mixture with more isomers. Indeed, the terpenic half of the final molecule may be in axial or equatorial position with respect to the other half of the molecule. 3-trans-Isocamphylcyclohexanol, corresponding to Sandela®, is one of the isomers of the mixture. It is isolated by a fractional distillation. Another method of synthesis starts from Cathecol rather than Guaiacol, and allows to obtain a greater proportion of Sandela® in the final mixture (especially if the hydrogenation step is made under high pressure and catalysed with cobalt).

Synthesis precursor :

Sandela® is not a precursor to the synthesis of another compound of olfactory interest.

Isomerism :

Sandela® is the only one of the isomers resulting from the synthesis described above to be odorous and to present a real interest for perfumery. Ambroxan®, Cedramber® and Muscenone® are constitutional isomers of Sandela®. Their smell can also be woody, or even musky. It is very different anyway.