Labdanum Concrète

#### Labdanum Concrète. **Labdanum**** ****Concrète**** **is produced by hydrocarbon solvent extraction of the leaves and twigs (= the herb) of Cistus Ladaniferus and other species of Cistus, see the general monograph on Labdanum. The extraction of the dried plant material is usually carried out after the inflorescence, but may take place earlier. France, Italy, Cyprus, Greece, Corsica, Yugoslavia and Morocco all produce this concrète, but France (with Corsica) is the largest producer by far. Very little, if any, labdanum concrète is produced in Spain, the main supplier of crude labdanum "gum". **Labdanum Concrète **is a sticky-waxy, green to olive-green or brownish-green mass of sweet and pleasant, balsamic ambra-like odor with a tenacious undertone of rich, herbaceous character. This is an odor which is quite familiar to anyone who has visited the Mediterranean countries or islands during the months of March to July. **Labdanum**** ****Concrète**** **is used in soap perfumes where its alcohol-insoluble matter is no serious drawback. It may at times even be an advantage through the fixative effect of the waxes and resins. The concrète represents the first of the two steps in the production of Labdanum Absolute from Concrète (see this monograph). The latter finds a more versatile use in perfumery. Labdanum concrète from the island of Cyprus is very viscous, but can be poured at about 30—35°C. It is light colored, olive-green and will not color the perfume significantly in use. It is a benzene extract and often carries a faint note of this solvent. This is not unusual with concrètes and other extracts. Labdanum concrète from other sources vary according to origin, solvent used, extraction method applied, etc. Apart from the above use in soap perfumes, etc., **Labdanum Concrète**** **serves mainly as an intermediate in the production of **Labdanum**** ****Absolute**** ****from**** ****Concrète**. It should be mentioned that the extracts from labdanum "gum" have become increasingly popular lately, and may take over many of the applications where earlier the concrète from the labdanum plant or the corresponding absolute were used. An **Ultrasonic **extract of labdanum herb is available. It is a pale olive-green, soft-waxy material of strongly herbaceous odor type.