Abstract: Synthetic camphor was reacted with hydroxylamine to give camphor oxime (81% yield). The resulted oxime was refluxed in 25% sulfuric acid to undergo Beckmann fragmentation to form campholenonitrile in 82% yield. Alcoholysis of campholenonitrile in different alcohols catalyzed by dry hydrogen chloride resulted in five campholenate perfumes of excellent yields (82%-91%). All target compounds were characterized by means of ¹H NMR, IR and elemental analysis. Among these compounds campholenonitrile possessed strong woody and ethyl campholenate fruity smell, which has promised application prospects. The novel synthetic process has the significant advantages of cheap and commonly available raw materials, mild reaction condition, simple operation and high yield.

Key words: campholenates, campholenonitrile, perfumes, camphor