Preparation and characterization of inclusion complexes containing fixolide, a synthetic musk fragrance and cyclodextrins

AHTN (7-Acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene), commercially known as fixolide or tonalide, is a synthetic fragrance widely used in replace of natural musk odor which is more expensive. It is a popular fragrance material added in the manufacturing of personal care and household products, such as perfumes, soaps, shampoos, detergents, and fabric softeners. AHTN is semivolatile and is degraded under light exposure and high temperature. This work focuses on the complexation of AHTN with cyclodextrins in the effort to stabilize the fragrance material. AHTN was complexed with β-cyclodextrin, methyl (MβCD), and hydroxypropyl (HPβCD) derivatives in the mole ratio 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 guest:host, and the complexes formed by physical mixing, co-precipitation, kneading, and freeze-drying were analyzed by DSC and FTIR. Percent AHTN included in the complex was also determined by hexane extraction and GC analysis. It was found that no inclusion complex was formed in the physical mixture. When co-precipitation method was performed, only βCD could form inclusion complex with AHTN, while the other two derivatives could not. Using 1:2 AHTN:βCD, no free AHTN was left in the complex as evidenced by DSC and FTIR spectrum. In kneading and freeze-drying methods, complexes could be formed with all CDs tested. However, co-precipitation method with 1:2 AHTN:βCD and kneading method with 1:2 AHTN:MβCD provided the highest complex yield with highest amount of AHTN included in the complex. AHTN in the complex form was more stable against high temperature and UV exposure than its free form.