Steroid musk compounds

Geometrical considerations seem to be important for the presence of the musk quality. To investigate geometrical relationships we have used a set of several hundred musk olfactory stimulants stored in ADAPT disc files. The data set contains representative compounds from a number of different structural classes, e.g., steroidal musks, polynitroaromatic musks, macro-cyclic musks, Isochroman musks, ortho musks, meta musks, etc. 

May contain volatile and non-volatile steroids, synthetic musks, lipids and silicon compounds... 

A number of mammalian pheromones are combinations of low-molecular-weight carboxylic acids. In other mammals, steroids, sulfur-containing compounds, amines, and alcohols play pheromonal roles some of these compounds also are derived from carboxylic acids (Albone, 1984 Harbome, 1982). Macrocyclic lactones such as civetone (77) and mus-cone (78) are the active odor compounds of the civet cat and the musk deer, respectively. 

Research suggests there are roles for pheromones in the lives of humans as well. For example, studies have shown that the phenomenon of menstrual synchronization among women who live or work with each other is likely caused by pheromones. Olfactory sensitivity to musk, which includes steroids such as androsterone, large cyclic ketones, and lactones (cyclic esters), also varies cyclically in women, differs between the sexes, and may influence our behavior. Some of these compounds are used in perfumes, including cive-tone, a natural product isolated from glands of the civet cat, and pentalide, a synthetic musk. 

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