Spiro Malodor Counteractants for Olfactory Receptor Blocking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Malodorous smells, such as those from waste products, toilets, and kitchen environments, are unpleasant and require effective malodor counteracting compositions that can inhibit the perception of these odors.

Innovation Solution

The use of spiro compounds, including (1RS,6RS,11RS)-2,2,9,11-tetramethylspiro[5.5]undec-8-en-1-yl acetate and other similar compounds, to inhibit specific olfactory receptors, particularly butyric acid receptors, thereby reducing the perception of malodors like latrine, laundry, and sweat odors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional masking agents are used to suppress malodor perception, then the malodor perception is reduced, but the effectiveness is limited and requires high concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalodor perceptionVSAvoidconcentration of masking agent
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the molecular structure parameters of the masking agents by introducing spiro compound frameworks with specific stereochemical configurations. This structural parameter change enables selective binding to olfactory receptors, achieving superior malodor suppression at lower concentrations compared to conventional masking agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The spiro compounds act as intermediary substances that selectively interact with olfactory receptors mediated by butyric acid. These compounds serve as molecular mediators that block the binding of malodorant substances to their receptors, providing targeted malodor counteraction with higher efficiency than non-specific masking agents.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If spiro compounds are used to inhibit olfactory receptors, then malodor perception is significantly reduced, but the complexity of the compound structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemalodor perceptionVSAvoidcompound structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spiro compounds are segmented into distinct molecular modules: a spiro core structure and substituent groups. This segmentation allows for systematic variation of functional groups while maintaining the core spiro framework, enabling optimization of biological activity without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite molecular designs combining spiro cyclic structures with various functional substituents. These composite structures integrate the steric bulk of spiro frameworks with the biochemical activity of functional groups, achieving selective receptor binding through synergistic structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

These spiro compounds effectively inhibit olfactory receptors, significantly reducing the perception of malodors by acting as antagonists, providing a more pleasant environment.

Implementation Method 1

These spiro compounds effectively inhibit olfactory receivers, significantly reducing the perception of malodors by acting as antagonists

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReceptor antagonism:

Data Source

PatentEP4707270A2Spiro compounds as malodor counteracting ingredients
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 FIRMENICH SA
  • EP4707270A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4707270A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4707270A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The various aspects presented herein relate to the perfumery industry. More particularly, the various aspects presented herein relate to malodor counteracting compositions and/or ingredients, methods for counteracting malodors, as well as to the perfumed articles or perfuming compositions comprising as an active ingredient, at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: compound of Formula (III).