Damascone Precursor Compounds for Controlled Fragrance Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fragrance compounds, such as damascone, are not effectively released in a controlled manner and often have undesirable odors or notes, limiting their use in consumer products.

Innovation Solution

Development of precursor compounds, specifically ethyl S-(4-oxo-4-(2',6',6'-trimethylcyclohex-3'-en-1'-yl)butan-2-yl)cysteinate and ethyl N,S-bis(4-oxo-4-(2',6',6'-trimethylcyclohex-3'-en-1'-yl)butan-2-yl)cysteinate, which decompose spontaneously upon exposure to air, releasing damascone and enhancing deposition and continuous release in consumer products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If damascone is used directly as a fragrance compound, then the desired fragrance effect is achieved, but the compound has undesirable odors and limited stability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidundesirable odors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by creating precursor compounds (cysteine adducts) that are prepared in advance and remain stable during storage. These precursors are then activated in situ under specific conditions (pH change, temperature, air exposure) to release the desired damascone fragrance, eliminating the need to handle and store the unstable, odorous damascone directly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of moving object

If fragrance compounds are released immediately, then the fragrance effect is strong initially, but the release is not controlled and duration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease durationVSAvoidcontrolled release
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by designing a fragrance delivery system that transitions from a stable, inactive precursor state to an active fragrance-releasing state based on changing environmental conditions. The cysteine adduct precursors remain stable during storage but dynamically activate when exposed to pH changes, temperature variations, or air, providing controlled and prolonged fragrance release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing changes in pH, temperature, and oxygen exposure to trigger the decomposition of precursor compounds and release of damascone. These parameter changes allow controlled activation of the fragrance release mechanism, extending the duration and improving the controllability of the fragrance effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If precursor compounds are used to release damascone, then stability and controlled release are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidcompound structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary substance (cysteine adduct) that acts as a stable precursor compound. This intermediary is chemically bonded to the damascone molecule, providing storage stability and controlled release properties. The cysteine adduct serves as a mediator that protects the damascone during storage and controls its release under specific conditions, without requiring complex external delivery systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The precursor compounds provide a stable, prolonged, and controlled release of damascone, eliminating undesirable odors and enhancing fragrance deposition and longevity in detergents and fabric conditioners.

Implementation Method 1

the compound of formula (I) as herein below described can act as precursor for the release, by spontaneous air oxidation, of damascone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir oxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

The compounds of formula (I) are very stable when not exposed to the ambient air, i.e. when stored neat or in a diluent conventionally used in conjunction with odorants

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3966197B1Organic compounds
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 GIVAUDAN SA
  • EP3966197B1 patent drawing
  • EP3966197B1 patent drawing
  • EP3966197B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) as herein defined, capable of releasing fragrant compounds in a controlled manner into the surroundings. The present invention is also concerned with a process for their production, and consumer products comprising them.