Musk

Musk is a class of aromatic substances commonly used as base notes in perfumery. They include glandular secretions from animals such as the musk deer, numerous plants emitting similar fragrances, and artificial substances with similar odors. Musk was a name originally given to a substance with a strong odor obtained from a gland of the musk deer. The substance has been used as a popular perfume fixative since ancient times and is one of the most expensive animal products in the world. The name originates from the Late Greek μόσχος 'moskhos', from Persian 'mushk', similar to Sanskrit मुष्क muṣka.

Natural sources

Animal musk

The musk deer of Asia and the musk ox of Arctic North America are well known producers of musk. Other animal sources include the African civet and the musk duck of Australia.

Plant musk

Certain plants such as Abelmoschus moschatus, the musk flower (Mimulus moschatus), and the muskwood (Olearia argophylla) of Australia produce musk-like odors.

Synthetic musk

Due to the expense and ethical concerns of using natural musk, most musk fragrance used in perfumery today is synthetic. They can be divided into three major classes: aromatic nitro musks, polycyclic musk compounds, and macrocyclic musk compounds.

Uses

Musk has been a key constituent in many perfumes since its discovery, being held to give a perfume long-lasting power as a fixative. Beyond its use in perfumery, it is also used in traditional medicine and to aroma some kinds of expensive tea.

See also

• Perfume
• Aromatherapy
• Essential oil

Musk Resources
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