Dupical: 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
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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 Dupical?

Dupical is a single aroma molecule created by Givaudan, one of the largest fragrance houses in the world. While Givaudan owns the trademarked name, other suppliers may sell the same chemical under less catchy trade names once any patent or exclusivity period has ended.

The molecule itself is produced through a series of standard organic reactions that bring together carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms to form the final structure C14H20O. The process is considered routine in modern fragrance chemistry so availability is generally good.

At room temperature Dupical appears as a clear mobile liquid that looks much like water, which makes it easy to dose by weight or volume. It carries no noticeable tint so it will not discolor finished products.

Perfumers reach for Dupical whenever they need a strong yet airy lily of the valley effect. Because the material is both high impact and versatile it shows up in fine fragrance, soaps, shampoos, detergents, candles and more. You will even spot it in functional cleaners where a burst of fresh floralcy helps lift the overall scent.

In stock form, sealed tightly and kept away from heat and light, Dupical maintains its full olfactive punch for roughly two to three years. After that you may notice a slow drop in strength but no sudden off odor.

The molecule sits in the mid price bracket. It is not as cheap as simple synthetics like hexyl acetate yet far from the rare and costly natural absolutes. That balance of power, stability and cost makes it a workhorse tool on many perfumers’ benches.

Dupical’s Scent Description

Dupical belongs squarely in the floral family, more specifically in the muguet or lily of the valley subgroup.

On a fresh blotter the first impression is a sparkling green floral burst. It opens with a lively aldehydic shimmer that feels almost fizzy then quickly settles into a cool watery lily of the valley heart. Hints of crushed stems and dewy petals keep the profile natural rather than perfumey. There is a faint soap-clean nuance that adds brightness without veering into powder.

In perfumery we speak of top, middle and base notes to describe how an ingredient shows itself over time. Dupical starts acting a few minutes in so it sits at the higher end of the heart notes. It bridges the fade of citrus tops and the arrival of the fuller floral body, giving lift and transparency to the composition.

Projection is solid yet not overwhelming. Used at typical levels it radiates a gentle fragrant aura that feels fresh and present. On a blotter its scent can be detected for several weeks, proving its excellent staying power. In skin or fabric applications you can expect noticeable freshness for most of the day depending on the formula around it.

How & Where To Use Dupical

Perfumers reach for Dupical when they need a bright watery lily of the valley effect that still carries weight through the heart of a scent. It works well as the main muguet note in a floral bouquet or as a lift for white floral accords that feel flat. Just a touch can also freshen green or citrus openings, linking the top to a clean floral core.

Because Dupical is powerful it usually sits at 0.1 % to 0.5 % of the finished concentrate. Trace amounts give a soft petal sheen while anything above 0.3 % starts to push a sharper green edge. At 1 % and beyond it can smell piercing, even metallic, which is useful in room sprays but risky on skin. Many perfumers therefore keep a 10 % dilution on hand for fine dosing.

Its long blotter life makes it perfect for soaps, detergents and other functional products that face tough conditions. It blooms well in shampoo at pH 6 and holds its own in alkaline soap bases at pH 10. In bleach systems it fades fast so another muguet helper may be needed. Dupical is less helpful in heavy oriental bases where sweet resins can smother its clean profile.

Before blending, warm the drum to room temperature and stir gently so any settled material redissolves. It blends easily in ethanol, DPG or IPM. In solid bases premix it with a small portion of the molten phase to avoid cold spots. Always check colour stability in clear gels because slight yellowing can show after several months.

Overdosing can create a harsh, almost oily aldehydic note that masks other florals. If that happens, balancing with soft musks, faint woods or tiny amounts of heliotrope can round the edges without losing freshness.

Safely Using Dupical

Work with Dupical in a well ventilated space. Always dilute it before smelling and avoid sniffing straight from the bottle. Gloves and safety glasses protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.

Brief contact with low levels is usually safe yet undiluted material can irritate skin or trigger an allergic response in sensitive users. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should ask a medical professional before handling fragrance chemicals. Prolonged exposure to high airborne levels may cause headache or respiratory discomfort so use local extraction when making large batches.

Keep the container tightly closed when not in use to limit vapor build up. If a spill occurs wipe with an absorbent cloth, then wash the area with soapy water and dispose of waste following local rules. Do not pour large amounts down the drain, especially in regions with strict limits on non biodegradable compounds.

For up-to-date safety limits always consult the supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet and check it often because revisions can appear at any time. Follow current IFRA guidelines on maximum dosage in each product type to ensure consumer safety.

How To Store & Dispose of Dupical

Keep Dupical in a tightly closed bottle placed in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sun or heat sources. Refrigeration is not required yet it can slow the gradual oxidation that dulls the scent, so many perfumers slide their stock into the back of a lab fridge when space allows.

Use bottles with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These caps compress against the neck and make a far better seal than glass droppers, which often let air creep in. Try to decant into a container that can be filled close to the top so the headspace stays small and oxygen contact is limited.

Label every container clearly with the name Dupical, the CAS number 30168-23-1 and any hazard icons from the safety data sheet. Add the date it was opened so you can track age and rotate stock before quality slips.

If you spill a small amount, blot with an absorbent pad, bag the pad, then dispose of it in the same way you would other solvent-contaminated lab waste. Do not rinse large volumes into the sink because Dupical is classed as non-biodegradable and shows toxic effects in aquatic tests. Collect unwanted material and give it to a licensed chemical waste handler. Empty bottles should be triple rinsed with a suitable solvent, air dried then sent for recycling or hazardous waste processing as local rules require.

Summary

Dupical is a Givaudan-made aroma chemical that delivers a bright watery lily of the valley note with green sparkle and impressive staying power. Used at a fraction of a percent it lifts floral accords in fine fragrance, soap, shampoo and home care formulas while keeping costs lower than natural muguet extracts.

The material comes as a clear liquid, blends smoothly and holds up well in both acidic and alkaline bases, though bleach can strip it faster. It is potent so accurate weighing and good ventilation are key. Price sits in the mid range and its very specific floral profile means it shines most in clean fresh styles rather than heavy oriental themes.

Commercial buyers can order straight from Givaudan or large distributors. Smaller hobby labs often pick up decants from speciality resellers or choose equivalent grades offered by generic manufacturers. Handle it with care, store it cool and sealed, and Dupical will reward you with weeks of crisp muguet radiance on blotter and fabric alike.

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