What Is 2-Pentadecanone?
2-Pentadecanone is a mid-chain ketone first recorded by chemists in 1954 during studies on fatty acid derivatives. The molecule is also written as pentadecan-2-one, hinting at its fifteen-carbon backbone with a carbonyl group resting on the second carbon.
In the wild the compound shows up in trace amounts within some plant waxes and dairy fats, yet harvesting it from those sources is not practical. Commercial supply therefore relies on synthetic production. The usual route involves controlled oxidation of the matching secondary alcohol or tailored steps that build the carbon chain then introduce the carbonyl group. This lab process delivers a material with consistent purity that fits modern quality standards.
At normal room temperature the ingredient forms a soft waxy mass made up of tiny crystalline leaves. When freshly prepared it appears colourless though older batches can take on a faint straw tint without affecting performance. Thanks to its solid state it is shipped in flake or pellet form rather than as a liquid.
Perfumers reach for 2-Pentadecanone when they want a neat way to extend the life of certain aldehydic accords. It is not among the most famous aroma chemicals yet it is stocked by many fragrance houses and is easy to source. Budget wise it sits in the affordable bracket so it can be used freely in both prestige compositions and functional products.
What Does 2-Pentadecanone Smell Like?
Most professionals file 2-Pentadecanone in the aldehydic family even though it is technically a ketone. On a blotter it opens with a distinct oily note that feels like warm paraffin just starting to melt. Within minutes a richer waxy tone appears bringing to mind the surface of a freshly blown out candle. As the scent settles a mild burnt nuance peeks through, reminiscent of lightly toasted nuts rather than harsh smoke.
To put that into the familiar pyramid, top notes are the light molecules that greet you first, middle notes give the body of a perfume and base notes linger on skin or fabric for hours. 2-Pentadecanone behaves as a lower middle to soft base note. It takes a little time to fully show itself yet it stays present long after brighter materials have faded.
Projection is modest. The molecule creates a gentle aura instead of a loud cloud, making it ideal for smoothing rough edges without stealing the spotlight. Longevity is solid; on a blotter the waxy signature can still be traced after a full day which helps anchor more delicate facets in a finished fragrance.
How & Where To Use 2-Pentadecanone
First things first this is a pleasantly obedient material. It does not rush out of the bottle or overpower the workspace and it melts with minimal fuss once warmed a touch. In short it behaves itself which makes it easy to weave into a formula even for beginners.
Perfumers mainly use it to extend or thicken aldehydic and fatty notes in florals musk bases and gourmand accords. When a classic C 10 or C 12 MNA feels too sharp a hint of 2-Pentadecanone can round the edges and lend a creamy candle-wax glow. It also plugs small gaps between sparkling top aldehydes and buttery lactones keeping the whole accord coherent from start to drydown. You might reach for it instead of a long chain aldehyde if you want the oily vibe without the strong metallic fizz.
Applications range from prestige fine fragrance to functional formats like shampoo detergent softener and candles. In soaps and shower gels its waxy facet pairs nicely with coconut or shea but in very fresh citrus cleaners it may feel out of place so test first. Typical usage sits between trace amounts and 0.5 percent for fine fragrance. Functional products tolerate more and candles can climb to the 3-5 percent region before the burnt nuance starts to dominate.
Concentration changes its personality. At 0.05 percent it is almost invisible yet helps other notes last longer. Around 0.5 percent the oily signature becomes noticeable and above 2 percent a toasted nut effect steps forward which can be charming in tobacco or praline themes but distracting in linen sprays.
Because the raw material arrives as flakes you may need to warm the container in a water bath at 35-40 °C then pre-dissolve the melt into a carrier such as dipropylene glycol at 10 percent before weighing small amounts. This prevents cold crystallisation in the finished concentrate and keeps dosing accurate.
Safely Information
Working with aroma chemicals calls for a few basic precautions to keep the creative process both enjoyable and safe.
- Always dilute before evaluation: mix a small amount into alcohol or a neutral carrier so you can judge the scent accurately without overwhelming your nose
- Never smell directly from the bottle: wave a scent strip above the opening or use the diluted solution to avoid sudden high concentration exposure
- Ensure good ventilation: blend and evaluate in a room with adequate airflow or under a fume hood to prevent buildup of vapours
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: contact with neat material can irritate skin or eyes so simple protective gear is wise
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a healthcare professional before handling. Brief low level exposure is generally safe yet prolonged or high concentration contact can be harmful
Always refer to the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check it regularly for updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines on maximum use levels to ensure your creations remain both beautiful and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When stored with care 2-Pentadecanone keeps its punch for roughly 24 to 36 months before a quiet drop in strength becomes noticeable. A tight seal and steady temperature matter more than the exact date on the label but aim to refresh stock every three years for best results.
You do not have to keep it in the fridge yet a shelf at 5-10 °C will stretch the clock a little further. If room is tight a cool cupboard away from sunlight heaters and motors is perfectly acceptable. Sudden swings between hot and cold create condensation that can spoil the flakes so avoid them.
Choose bottles with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. The cone forms a snug gasket that blocks air better than glass droppers or pipette tops. Each time you decant try to fill the new bottle close to the shoulder. Less headspace means less oxygen and fewer chances for slow oxidation that can dull the scent or push the burnt facet.
Label every container clearly with the material name batch date and hazard icons. A quick glance should tell anyone what it is and how to handle it even months later. Keep the safety data sheet in the same storage area so it is always close at hand.
Disposal is simple but still deserves respect. Small residues can be wiped up with a paper towel then binned in household waste. For larger liquid leftovers mix with an absorbent material such as cat litter seal in a bag and place in general refuse or send to a licensed chemical disposal service. The molecule is not very soluble in water and breaks down slowly in nature so do not pour it straight into sinks or outside soil. Empty containers should be triple rinsed with soapy water before recycling or discarding.
Summary
2-Pentadecanone is a mid-chain ketone that behaves like a quiet aldehyde bringing an oily waxy and gently toasted note to a formula. It smooths sharp edges links bright tops to creamy middles and adds staying power in everything from fine fragrance to bath products and candles. Easy handling solid shelf life and fair cost make it a fun tool for both new and seasoned perfumers yet its scent is specific so it shines most in fatty floral musk or gourmand styles rather than sparkling colognes. Treat it with a little care in storage and dosing and it will reward you with a subtle long lasting glow that keeps your creations feeling polished and professional.