Compounds · Ketones · Terpenoid pathway
α-Vetivone
Also known as Isonootkatone — an analysis may use any of these names
Roots, earth, damp wood. So heavy it almost stands still on a smelling strip.
- CAS
- 15764-04-2
- Formula
- C15H22O
- Molar mass
- 218.33
- Odour threshold
- —
- Boiling point
- ≈ 300 °C estimated
This compound boils at 300 °C, so it is heavier than any ordinary essential-oil component. It lies outside the 150–290 °C band, so the marker stops at the right edge — not because that is where it sits, but because the axis does not reach that far.
Where it comes from
Biosynthetic pathway: Terpenoid pathway — plants build them from identical five-carbon blocks.
Why it sits where it does
A sesquiterpene ketone with a carbonyl group, both large and polar. It is one of the heaviest components on this whole list.
Where else you meet it
Vetiver root is almost its only source. It is why vetiver is used as a fixative.
Dictionary entries that mention this compound
About the boiling-point figure
Not yet cross-checked against a primary source. The value is provisional, used to place the compound on the volatility axis. Why this detail matters