Skatole or 3-methyl indole is a mildly toxic white
crystalline organic compound with chemical formula 9 and CAS number
83-34-1. It occurs naturally in feces, beets, and
coal tar, and has a strong fecal odor. In low concentrations
it has a flowery smell and is found in several essential oils,
including those in orange blossoms and
jasmine. It is therefore used as a fragrance in many perfumes.
Its name is derived from skat, the Greek word
for dung.
See also
Last updated: 08-21-2005 02:50:32