Ambergris - Chemical Properties

Chemical Properties

Ambergris is relatively nonreactive to acid. White crystals of a substance called ambrein can be separated from ambergris by heating raw ambergris in alcohol, then allowing the resulting solution to cool. Breakdown of the relatively scentless ambrein through oxidation results in the formation of ambrox and ambrinol, which are the main odour components of ambergris.

ambrein
ambrox
ambrinol

Ambroxan, which is used widely in perfumery, is one of the many synthetics that emulate natural ambergris.

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