What Is Phenafleur?
Phenafleur is a synthetic aroma ingredient created by International Flavors & Fragrances, better known as IFF. While IFF developed and trademarked the name, other suppliers often carry the same molecule under more generic labels, so perfumers can source it from multiple catalogues.
The material is produced through modern organic synthesis in large-scale reactors, starting from simple petrochemical or bio-based building blocks. This approach guarantees consistent quality and makes the molecule widely available year-round.
At room temperature Phenafleur appears as a clear liquid that ranges from colorless to a very soft straw tint. The fluid texture pours easily, which simplifies weighing and blending in the lab.
Formulators reach for Phenafleur in fine fragrance, candles, fabric care and even bleach-containing cleaners because the molecule shows excellent stability across pH, heat and light stress. Its high substantivity means traces of the scent can still be detected on fabric or skin well beyond the 48-hour mark.
Shelf life is generous; stored correctly the material can remain in specification for roughly two to three years before a quality re-test is advised. In terms of cost the ingredient sits in the mid-range: neither a bargain aroma chemical nor a budget-breaker, making it attractive for both prestige perfumes and cost-sensitive functional products.
Phenafleur’s Scent Description
Phenafleur falls squarely in the floral family. Off a blotter the opening impression is that of freshly cut hyacinth, cool and slightly watery. Within seconds a soft raspberry nuance blooms, adding a juicy lift that keeps the floral note from feeling old-fashioned. Underneath runs a faint green stem aspect that gives the composition a natural, garden-like vibe.
Perfumers often talk about top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the lightest molecules you smell first, middle notes (the heart) shape the main character and base notes linger longest on skin or fabric. Phenafleur resides mainly in the heart. It does not flash off quickly enough to be a true top note yet it is not heavy enough to live in the base. Instead it arrives soon after application, anchors the floral theme then slowly softens over the next day or two.
Projection is moderate. Phenafleur will not dominate a room but it radiates a gentle aura that can be noticed within conversational distance. Thanks to its high substantivity the scent clings for well over a day on skin and even longer on fabric, making it a reliable choice when long lasting floral freshness is desired.
How & Where To Use Phenafleur
Perfumers reach for Phenafleur whenever they need a clean floral heart that feels fresher than muguet yet softer than pure hyacinth absolute. It slides neatly into spring bouquets, watery florals and modern fruity florals where a hint of natural petal lift is required. Its built-in raspberry twist also helps bridge between berry top notes and floral hearts so it can round out a composition without adding another separate material.
At low traces Phenafleur quietly polishes other flowers bringing a dew-kissed clarity. Around 0.5-2 percent it starts to speak on its own giving a cool hyacinth ribbon that threads through the formula. Push it to the higher end, roughly 3-5 percent, and the fruity aspect grows louder adding a playful brightness while the floral body turns more present. Above that point the note can feel synthetic or waxy so most perfumers cap usage well below the technical ceiling of 20 percent.
Its stability makes it a solid pick for candles detergents and even bleach-containing cleaners where many natural florals collapse. In soap it keeps a crisp petal smell after cure though high alkaline settings may thin the fruity hue. It shines in fine fragrance and fabric sprays as its 48-hour substantivity helps scent stay on skin and cloth long after lighter notes fade away. The one weak spot is very dry potpourri blends where its low vapor pressure can limit projection.
Over-dosing risks a plasticky edge and can crowd out more delicate ingredients. It also amplifies sweetness from other raspberry or red fruit molecules so watch the sugar balance. A quick trial blend at 10 percent dilution in dipropylene glycol lets you judge its strength before committing to final levels.
No special prep is needed beyond standard weighing and premixing. The liquid pours easily but thickens a little in cold rooms so warming the bottle to room temperature helps with precise dosedrops. Keep pipettes or syringes reserved for Phenafleur to avoid cross-contamination with strong spices or animalics that could mask its subtle profile.
Safely Using Phenafleur
Dilution is key. Always mix Phenafleur into a carrier such as alcohol or DPG before evaluating it. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle since concentrated vapors can overwhelm the senses. Work in a well-ventilated area so any fumes disperse quickly and wear gloves plus safety glasses to protect skin and eyes during handling.
Like many aroma chemicals Phenafleur can cause irritation or an allergic response in sensitive users, especially with repeated contact. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding talk to a medical professional before working with fragrance materials. Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally considered safe but prolonged or high dose contact may lead to headaches respiratory discomfort or dermatitis.
If the material splashes on skin wash with mild soap and water. In case of eye contact rinse with plenty of clean water and seek medical advice if redness persists. Spills should be absorbed with inert material such as sand then disposed of following local rules for chemical waste.
Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dark space away from flames, oxidizers or strong acids. Phenafleur is inherently biodegradable yet do not pour leftovers down the drain. Collect unwanted stock in a sealed container and send it to an approved disposal facility.
Always consult the latest Safety Data Sheet from your supplier for up-to-date hazard information and keep an eye on any revisions. Follow the current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category so your finished fragrance stays within global safety standards.
How To Store & Dispose of Phenafleur
Phenafleur keeps best in a cool dark spot where the room stays below 20 °C and direct sun never hits the bottles. A dedicated cabinet away from radiators or hot machinery works well. If you have space in a fragrance fridge pop the bottle in there as lower temps can slow oxidation and stretch shelf life past the two year mark.
Whatever the location pick containers with tight polycone caps. These liners grip the neck and limit air seepage far better than standard droppers. Avoid glass pipette tops because they rarely seal fully and can let the floral note fade or turn.
Try to store the liquid in bottles that are close to full. Less headspace means less oxygen, so the scent stays fresh and color stays pale. If you only need small amounts decant into a series of smaller vials rather than keeping one half-empty flask.
Label every container clearly with “Phenafleur,” the CAS number 80858-47-5 and any safety icons from the SDS. A date of opening also helps you track age and plan re-tests.
When a batch is no longer required do not pour it down the drain even though it is inherently biodegradable. For hobby-size leftovers soak the liquid into cat litter or sand, seal in a bag, then place it in your household hazardous waste drop-off. Commercial users should send bulk residues and rinse water to a licensed chemical disposal contractor who can handle aromatic organics.
Empty bottles should be triple rinsed with solvent, dried and recycled if local rules allow glass chemical containers. Keep washings in the same waste stream as the raw material.
Summary
Phenafleur is a floral aroma chemical from IFF that gives a crisp hyacinth feel touched with soft raspberry. It bridges top and heart notes, adds lift to bouquets and sticks around on skin or fabric for over 48 hours.
Easy to blend and stable in tough bases like bleach or candle wax, it sits in the mid price range so it suits both prestige perfumes and functional goods. The note is refined yet specific, so overdosing can push a synthetic edge.
Thanks to good shelf life and vegan friendly status it remains a popular workhorse in modern fragrance labs. Watch air exposure, use polycone caps and store cool to keep it at peak quality.
Bulk buyers can source straight from IFF or large distributors under the trade name or generic label. Smaller volumes for trials or hobby use are offered by several online resellers that split drums into 50 ml or 100 ml packs so creators of any scale can explore what Phenafleur brings to a formula.