Definition
Iso E Super is a synthetic aroma chemical patented by Givaudan in 1973 (US Patent 3,929,677). IUPAC: 1-(2,3,8,8-tetramethyl-1,2,3,4,6,7,8,8a-octahydronaphthalen-2-yl)ethan-1-one. CAS 54464-57-2. The molecule reads as soft woody, ambery, slightly velvety, with a transparent radiance and a signature-amplifying quality on skin. The active scent comes from a single isomer present at roughly 5 to 10 percent in the commercial mix; the molecule is anosmic to a notable share of the population.
Technical detail and usage
Iso E Super became the most-used aroma chemical in modern perfumery between 1980 and 2010. Jean-Louis Sieuzac overdosed it in Fahrenheit (Dior, 1988). Pierre Bourdon built the woody drydown of Cool Water (Davidoff, 1988) on it. Christopher Sheldrake and Pierre Bourdon assembled Feminite du Bois (Serge Lutens for Shiseido, 1992) around it. Calice Becker grounded Tresor (Lancome, 1990) on a softer Iso E Super accord.
In 2006, Geza Schoen launched Molecule 01 for Escentric Molecules, composed of Iso E Super at almost 100 percent in a carrier base. The release reframed the molecule as a consumer-facing concept and ships through Aedes Perfumery, Twisted Lily and Luckyscent in the United States. Typical concentration in finished fragrance runs from 1 percent to 25 percent or higher.
Sources
- Givaudan technical product literature (accessed June 7, 2026)
- Perfumer & Flavorist: Iso E Super reference notes (accessed June 7, 2026)
- Fragrantica: Iso E Super note (accessed June 7, 2026)
- Escentric Molecules: Molecule 01 product page (accessed June 7, 2026)