Indole

Indole is an organic compound with the molecular formula C8H7N. It is a solid at room temperature and primarily obtained by extraction from coal tar or synthesized from other chemicals. Chemically, it is a bicyclic structure consisting of a benzene ring fused to a pyrrole ring.

Indole has a distinctive scent profile; in its pure form, it can be somewhat off-putting with pungent and fecal notes. However, when diluted, it reveals floral, jasmine-like qualities that are highly valued in perfumery. This complexity makes indole a crucial ingredient in fragrances, especially in floral compositions like those mimicking the scents of jasmine, orange blossom, and tuberose. The dual nature of indole—combining both floral sweetness and deep, earthy tones—allows perfumers to add depth and warmth to fragrances, enhancing their allure and sophistication. Despite its initially intense and somewhat unpleasant odor at high concentrations, indole's ability to transform and enrich scents is unmatched, making it a paradoxical yet fascinating component in the palette of perfume creation.