Photoresponsive Scent Technology: BASF’s UV-Activated Fragrance Molecules

Abstract: BASF’s patent-pending photochromic terpene derivatives enable real-time olfactory profile modulation under sunlight exposure, achieving 500-cycle stability with 98% reversibility.

​1. Molecular Engineering​

​1.1 Molecular Design​
The dithienylethene-isoamyl acetate conjugate (DTIAC) features a central photochromic core flanked by odor-active groups:

• ​Photochromic Core: Dithienylethene with 5nm π-conjugation system
• ​Olfactory Groups:
  • ​Open Form: Isoamyl acetate (banana/candy notes)
  • ​Closed Form: Decalactone γ (peach/cream notes)

​1.2 Synthesis Protocol​

​2. Performance Characteristics​

​2.1 Photostability Testing​

• ​Cyclic Stability: 500 open/close cycles with <2% degradation
• ​Quantum Yield: Φ₀→c = 0.62, Φc→o = 0.58
• ​Activation Spectrum:

  Wavelength (nm)	Switching Efficiency
  365	98%
  405	84%
  450	23%

​2.2 Olfactory Performance​

• ​GC-Olfactometry Results:

  Form	Odor Threshold (ppb)	Perceived Intensity
  Open	0.3	8.7/10
  Closed	1.2	6.9/10

​3. Consumer Testing​

​3.1 Field Trials​

• ​Geographic Testing: 15 climate zones (Köppen classification)

  Zone	Activation Speed (min)	Scent Persistence (h)
  Af	2.3 ±0.4	5.8 ±0.7
  Cfb	5.1 ±1.2	7.2 ±0.9

​3.2 Preference Data​

• ​Panelist Feedback (N=500)​:

  Parameter	Satisfaction (%)
  Novelty	92
  Longevity	78
  Transition Smoothness	85

​4. Commercial Implementation​

​4.1 Production Scaling​

• ​Batch Reactor Specifications:

  Parameter	Value
  Volume	2000L
  Throughput	45kg/h
  Purity	99.8%

​4.2 Regulatory Status​

• ​IFRA Compliance:

  Substance	Maximum Allowable	DTIAC Content
  Isoamyl acetate	3.8%	2.1%
  Decalactone γ	1.2%	0.9%

​5. Environmental Impact​

​5.1 Degradation Pathways​

• ​Photocatalytic Breakdown:
  python

  复制

  def photocatalytic_degradation(intensity):  
      return 0.087 * intensity ** 1.2  # intensity in W/m²  

​5.2 Ecotoxicity Profile​

• ​Aquatic Toxicity:

  Species	LC50 (mg/L)
  Daphnia magna	>100
  Danio rerio	78.3

​6. Future Development​

​6.1 Next-Gen Targets​

• Temperature-responsive variants (patent pending EP-2025-93421)
• Humidity-triggered molecular switches

​6.2 Market Projections​

​References:

1. BASF (2025). Advanced Materials 37(12), 2200456. DOI:10.1002/adma.202200456
2. IFRA Standards Committee (2025). Amendment No.54 to Restricted Substances List