Flouve absolute (CAS 68916-09-06) — Sweet Heart to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Flouve absolute
CAS 68916-09-06
What Is Flouve absolute?
Flouve absolute is a rare botanical extract derived from the roots of sweet vernal grass (Anthoxanthum odoratum). It’s most commonly encountered in niche perfumery and artisanal fragrances. This ingredient matters because it provides a unique coumarin-like sweetness with hay and tobacco nuances, creating nostalgic rural landscapes in scent form.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Flouve absolute Smell Like?
Flouve absolute unfolds like sun-warmed hay drying in late summer fields. The initial burst carries a sharp greenness reminiscent of freshly cut grass, quickly softening into honeyed tobacco leaf and vanilla-tinged coumarin sweetness. As it settles, a delicate woodiness emerges, like antique cedar chests lined with dried herbs. The dry-down lingers for hours as a skin-hugging whisper of sweet hay and faintly powdery tonka bean.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Flouve’s hay-like coumarin character amplifies the honeyed tobacco theme, creating the illusion of sun-baked Moroccan fields.
Used sparingly to enhance the sawdust and leather accord with its sweet hay undertones.
Flouve absolute dominates this soliflore, showcasing its full spectrum from green grass to sweet hay.
Provides subtle hay nuances beneath the mango and grapefruit, evoking riverside grasses.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Flouve absolute contains coumarin derivatives including 3,4-dihydrocoumarin and related benzopyrones. These aromatic compounds develop during drying of the grass through enzymatic processes. The absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of dried plant material, concentrating the volatile compounds responsible for its characteristic scent. Unlike synthetic coumarin, flouve contains trace lactones and phenolic compounds that contribute to its complexity.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Viscous brown liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Used as hay/tobacco modifier |
| Home Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 8% | Creates warm, nostalgic atmospheres |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent the hay accord from becoming too heavy.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Pure synthetic coumarin provides similar sweetness without the green facets.
Offers richer coumarinic depth with additional spicy nuances.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific restrictions under IFRA standards.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains coumarin which requires declaration above 0.01% in leave-on products.
RIFM Assessment
Not currently assessed by RIFM due to low production volumes.
Sustainability
Flouve absolute is sustainably wild-harvested in limited quantities from European grasslands. The extraction yield is low (0.1-0.3%), making it expensive but environmentally low-impact. Some perfumers use reconstitutions with coumarin and hay-like synthetics to reduce ecological pressure on wild populations.
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References
- Arctander, S. (1960). Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.
- Bicchi, C. et al. (1985). Coumarin Derivatives in Anthoxanthum odoratum.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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