Ambroxene naturally occurring autoxidation or photooxide of the triterpenoid secreted by sperm whales.
Industrially, ambroxide can be prepared from nerolidol via oxidation to a homofarnesic-acid-type intermediate, followed by acid-catalysed cyclisation to afford ambroxide.
Ambroxide is commercially available in stereochemically distinct forms, including the naturally occurring (−)-enantiomer (CAS 6790-58-5, this product) and the racemic material (CAS 3738-00-9, often marketed as Cetalox). The (−)-enantiomer is often described as having a warmer, more diffusive ambergris profile with an exceptionally low odour threshold, while the racemate is typically perceived as drier and somewhat smokier or leathery.