3-Methylindole, commonly known as skatole, has a strong fecal odor at high concentrations but offers sweet, floral notes in extreme dilution. It is naturally present in the feces of mammals and contributes to the characteristic odor of feces, as well as being found in some flowers and essential oils. In perfumery, skatole is used at very low concentrations to add depth and complexity to floral scents, particularly in jasmine and orange blossom fragrances.
Utilized in minimal amounts to enhance floral fragrances, adding depth and a complex, earthy quality to scents, especially in jasmine and orange blossom perfumes.
IUPAC Name: 3-methyl-1H-indoleCAS Number: 83-34-1
Molecular Formula: C9H9N
Molecular Weight: 131.17 g/mol
Boiling Point: 265-266 °C (509-510.8 °F)
Melting Point: 203-207 °F (95-97.5 °C)
Class: Indole
Use/s: Scent
Synonyms
1: 3-METHYLINDOLE 2: 3-Methyl-1H-indole 3: Skatole 4: Scatole 5: Skatol 6: beta-Methylindole 7: 3-MI
Chemist Says
White to brownish solid with a fecal odor; [Merck Index] Odor becomes pleasant and sweet at very low concentrations; [HSDB] White crystalline flakes with a stench; [MSDSonline]
Scent: Mothball, Putrid, Decay, Fecal, Jasmine-like, Fruity
Scent profile
Scent profiles are inherently subjective and can significantly differ among individuals, and may also be influenced by the conditions at the time of evaluation. The information provided here is a synthesis of data from diverse sources, including books, cross-references, artificial intelligence analyses, and chemical research sites, aiming to present a comprehensive overview. We've distilled this information to highlight the most frequently observed scent profiles for each molecule or compound, offering a generalized perspective.
1: Floral, Sweet at low concentrations
2: Floral at very low concentrations, Fecal at higher concentrations
3: CHARACTERISTIC FECAL ODOR AT HIGH LEVELS, BECOMING PLEASANT, SWEET, AND WARM AT VERY LOW LEVELS
4: Fecal, strong, unpleasant, with an indolic character
Irritant
Environmental Hazard