Acetate C9 Nonylic: The Complete Guide To This Aroma Chemical

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining everything you need to know.
Updated on: July 29, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available standards from The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Acetate C9 Nonylic?

Acetate C9 Nonylic is a synthetic aroma chemical created to bring a vibrant fruity lift to fragrances. It was first developed by Givaudan, one of the largest names in the flavour and fragrance world, although you may also find generic versions produced by smaller suppliers.

The molecule belongs to the ester family, produced through a straightforward reaction that joins a nonyl alcohol with acetic acid. Because the process is simple and uses common feedstocks, the material sits in the mid to lower price bracket compared with more complex specialty notes.

At room temperature it appears as a clear colourless liquid with a light viscosity similar to most perfumery esters. On a perfumer’s shelf it enjoys a fair amount of use, especially in fruit heavy accords or to add a tropical twist to floral creations. You will see it pop up in fine fragrance, personal care and even some home care formats.

When stored in a cool dry place away from direct light, the ingredient keeps its freshness for roughly two years before the scent starts to flatten. It is not considered rare so regular restocking is simple.

Acetate C9 Nonylic’s Scent Description

This material falls squarely into the fruity olfactory family. Smelled on a blotter it greets you with a juicy cocktail impression that mixes ripe pineapple, mango skin and a hint of pear. Underneath the fruit lies a light herbal nuance that keeps the note from becoming syrupy, almost like the gentle snap of fresh basil.

Perfumers often talk about top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the first impressions that evaporate quickly. Middle notes, also called the heart, give character and linger a little longer. Base notes are the slowest to fade and provide depth. Acetate C9 Nonylic lives mainly in the top to upper-middle space. It opens brightly then melts into the heart where its airy tropical glow supports other fruity facets.

Projection is moderate. It will radiate enough to be noticed without overwhelming a blend. On a blotter the aroma stays present for several hours before tapering off, so while it does not have the staying power of deep woody bases, it holds its own for the time expected of a lively fruity accent.

How & Where To Use Acetate C9 Nonylic

Perfumers usually reach for Acetate C9 Nonylic when they want an instant pop of realistic fruit that lasts beyond the first few minutes. It shines in pineapple, banana or exotic cocktail accords, pairing effortlessly with other esters like ethyl butyrate or isoamyl acetate. In citrus compositions it lifts orange and mandarin notes while smoothing any sharp facets that can creep in from terpene heavy ingredients.

The material behaves differently across concentrations. At traces it offers a subtle juicy sheen that brightens top notes without calling attention to itself. Around 0.5-1 percent it becomes clearly pineapple like with a green touch that adds freshness. Push it toward the 3-5 percent ceiling and it can dominate, turning the blend into pure tropical punch which is great for fun fine fragrances but risky for more sophisticated themes.

Longevity is good for a top note so it is often layered with quicker fading citrus to stretch the opening. It also helps bloom in functional products such as shampoos and soaps where the fruity blast on first lather is valued. In high pH bars it stays surprisingly stable, something not all esters manage.

Still, there are limits. In delicate floral bouquets heavy doses can feel out of place and cheapen the effect. It also struggles in very dry woody bases where its sweetness can clash. When in doubt start low and build up slowly during evaluation.

Over-use brings two main risks: a sticky, candy-like impression that masks nuance, and potential incompatibility with fragrance regulations if total ester content runs high. Always cross-check finished formulas against IFRA limits for the end product category.

Preparation is simple. The ester dissolves readily in ethanol, triethyl citrate or most standard fragrance solvents. Pre-dilute to 10 percent for safer smelling and easier dosing. If working in cold rooms warm the stock bottle gently to avoid viscosity changes and ensure accurate pipetting.

Safely Using Acetate C9 Nonylic

Dilution is key. Always work from a 10 percent or weaker solution rather than the neat material. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle; instead use a scent strip in a well ventilated workspace so vapors disperse quickly.

Gloves and safety glasses keep accidental splashes off skin and out of eyes. Even though this ester is considered readily biodegradable it can still irritate sensitive skin on contact, especially at higher strengths.

Short, low-level exposure is generally safe yet prolonged handling of concentrated material may cause headaches, respiratory irritation or dermatitis. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before regular use of any aroma chemical.

Dispose of spills with absorbent material and send waste to chemical disposal rather than pouring it down the drain. Store the bottle tightly closed, away from heat or direct sunlight, in a ventilated cabinet separate from strong acids or bases that could trigger unwanted reactions.

Always review the current MSDS from your supplier before each new batch and keep an eye on updates as classification rules can change. Follow IFRA guidelines for maximum dosage in your specific product type to guarantee consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

How To Store & Dispose of Acetate C9 Nonylic

Store Acetate C9 Nonylic in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or sunny windows. A fridge set to normal food temperature can add an extra year of freshness but is not required if space is tight. Whatever place you pick keep the bottle standing upright and out of reach of pets or children.

Air is the enemy of most esters. Use bottles that seal with polycone caps since they grip the neck tightly and stop slow leaks. Dropper tops often let oxygen creep in so they are best avoided for long term stock. Try to decant large drums into smaller bottles as you use them so each container stays as full as possible.

Label every container with the full name, date opened and the word “Flammable” in clear print. Add any personal warnings that matter in your workspace such as “Gloves required.” Good labels save time in audits and stop mix-ups during busy bench days.

For day to day handling keep a 10 percent dilution ready. Small working bottles reduce the number of times you open the main bulk, which keeps the rest fresher. If the liquid thickens in cold weather warm the bottle gently in hand rather than using direct heat.

Spills are simple to clean. Blot with paper or kitty litter, seal the waste in a bag, then send it with paint thinners or other solvent waste. The ingredient is readily biodegradable, yet pouring large amounts down the drain can still harm aquatic life so avoid sink disposal.

Summary

Acetate C9 Nonylic, also known as nonyl acetate, is a colourless fruity ester from Givaudan that smells like fresh pineapple, banana and green apple. It lifts citrus, powers tropical blends and adds a juicy snap to shampoos soaps and fine fragrance openings.

The note is popular because it gives strong impact at a low price and holds up well in high pH bases where many fruits fail. Still, heavy doses can shift a blend toward candy territory so careful balance is key. Stability is good for two to three years if stored cool and full.

Commercial buyers can source drums direct from Givaudan or other bulk suppliers listed under CAS 143-13-5. Hobbyists will find smaller bottles at specialist perfume shops and online resellers that split larger lots into 10-100 ml packs. Whatever the scale, proper storage, clear labeling and mindful disposal keep this bright fruity tool safe and enjoyable to use.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.