Coumarin

Coumarin

Coumarin is a classic aroma chemical widely used in perfumery for its warm, sweet tonka bean-like aroma with nuances of vanilla, almond, and freshly cut hay. First isolated from tonka beans in the 19th century, coumarin became one of the earliest and most important fragrance materials in modern perfumery.

This versatile ingredient plays a central role in many fragrance families, especially fougère, oriental, gourmand, and woody compositions. Its rich sweetness adds warmth, depth, and smoothness to perfume formulas while softening harsh notes and improving overall harmony in fragrance blends.

Coumarin is valued for its ability to create warmth and sweetness in perfumes, making it an essential component in many classic and modern fragrance creations. It is widely used in fine fragrance, soaps, detergents, candles, and personal care products.

Why Perfumers Use Coumarin

• Sweet tonka bean aroma with vanilla and almond nuances
• Adds warmth, sweetness, and depth to fragrances
• Essential ingredient in fougère fragrance structures
• Blends well with lavender, mossy, woody, and oriental notes
• Helps smooth and round fragrance compositions
• Provides long-lasting warmth and fixation

Common Applications

• Fougère fragrance compositions
• Oriental and gourmand perfumes
• Woody and amber fragrance accords
• Soap and detergent fragrance
• Candle and home fragrance products
• Cosmetic and personal care fragrances

Coumarin blends exceptionally well with lavender, oakmoss, tonka bean materials, vanilla notes, heliotropin, and many woody ingredients. It is particularly famous for its role in the classic fougère accord where it combines with lavender and oakmoss to create a timeless fragrance structure.

Technical Information

CAS Number: 91-64-5

INCI Name: COUMARIN

IUPAC Name: 2H-1-Benzopyran-2-one

Alternative Names: Tonka Lactone

Odour Family: Sweet / Balsamic

Classification: Base Note

Appearance: White crystalline solid

Odour Profile: Warm sweet aroma reminiscent of tonka beans, vanilla, almond, and freshly cut hay.

Uses: Adds sweetness, warmth, and depth to perfume compositions and is essential for fougère fragrance structures.

IFRA 51: Use according to current IFRA guidelines