What Is Undecavertol?
Undecavertol is a synthetic aroma chemical created by Givaudan during research into the natural scent profile of lily of the valley. While Givaudan owns the trade name, a few aroma houses now offer the same molecule under generic labels, so it is generally accessible to perfumers worldwide.
The material is made through a multistep organic process that links and fine-tunes an eleven-carbon backbone, giving rise to an alcohol with a precise double bond. Most producers start from petrochemical feedstocks, though partial bio-based routes are appearing as sustainability programs mature.
At room temperature Undecavertol is a clear, water-like liquid that pours easily and blends swiftly with most common solvents and oils. Its relatively low vapor pressure keeps it stable during handling, yet it is potent enough that only a trace is needed for effect.
Perfumers reach for Undecavertol in both fine fragrance and functional products such as soaps and detergents, so it is by no means a rarity. That said, its powerful diffusion demands skillful dosing which can limit its use to experienced formulators.
When stored in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly closed, the molecule keeps its full freshness for about two to three years. Beyond that point the scent can flatten or oxidize, so periodic quality checks are recommended.
Undecavertol sits in the mid-price bracket: not a budget workhorse yet far from the costliest specialty materials. Because just a small percentage delivers a strong effect, it tends to be economical in finished formulas.
Undecavertol’s Scent Description
This ingredient is generally filed under the floral family. On a smelling strip it opens with a vivid green flash that recalls crushed violet leaves mixed with the dewy sweetness of linden blossom. Within seconds a delicate lily-of-the-valley tone blooms, rounded by a soft fruity nuance that can hint at pear skin or unripe apple. As the minutes pass, the greenness settles into a fresh garden-like backdrop while the floral core remains bright and natural.
In perfumery we speak of top, middle and base notes. Tops appear first, middles shape the heart and bases linger the longest. Undecavertol sits squarely in the middle zone. It arrives quickly after the sparkle of the top notes yet stays present long enough to bridge into the drydown, giving lift and realism to floral themes.
Projection is high even at low dosages, so a few drops radiate clearly from skin or fabric. Longevity is moderate: on a blotter expect a clean two-day presence before it fades to a faint green whisper. This balance of brightness and staying power makes Undecavertol a versatile tool for perfumers looking to inject crisp lifelike greenery into a composition without relying on heavy woody bases.
How & Where To Use Undecavertol
Perfumers reach for Undecavertol when a composition needs a splash of lifelike green that feels less sharp than hexyl acetate yet brighter than violet leaf absolute. It excels in floral hearts built around lily of the valley, rose or linden blossom but it also slips neatly into fruity accords where its pear nuance raises the juiciness of apple or melon notes.
In a classic muguet accord Undecavertol can carry the leafy facet while hydroxycitronellal handles the creamy petal feel. Two or three parts hydroxycitronellal to one part Undecavertol is a common starting ratio. In modern minimalist florals a tiny trace of Undecavertol coupled with Iso E Super and a musky base creates a clean skin-scent style bouquet.
Recommended use levels span from a literal trace to about 5 percent of the total concentrate. At 0.05-0.3 percent it imparts a dewy stem effect that feels transparent. Around 1 percent the violet leaf tone strengthens and the material starts to lead the accord. Above 3 percent its green edge can turn harsh and metallic so careful blending with softeners like hedione or cyclamen aldehyde is advised.
Over-use risks include an overly grassy top that dominates delicate flowers and a detergent-like aftersmell in fine fragrance bases. Testing in incremental steps helps lock in the sweet spot before scaling up to bulk production.
Undecavertol dissolves readily in ethanol, dipropylene glycol and most fragrance oils so no special solubilizer is usually needed. A 10 percent solution makes weighing and pipetting easier and prevents nose fatigue when evaluating. Because the molecule is potent keep separate pipettes and label the stock clearly to avoid accidental overdoses in other trials.
Safely Using Undecavertol
Dilution is key so always prepare a working solution before smelling or blending. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle as the undiluted vapors can overwhelm the senses. Work in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood to keep airborne levels low.
Wear nitrile gloves to prevent skin contact and safety glasses to shield your eyes from splashes. Wash hands after handling even if no spill is apparent.
Like many aroma chemicals Undecavertol may cause skin irritation or trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a healthcare professional before exposure. Short whiffs of low concentrations are generally considered safe yet repeated or prolonged contact at higher levels can pose health risks.
Dispose of weighed-out residues in accordance with local regulations and avoid pouring excess material down the drain. Store tightly closed in a cool dark area away from food or drink to maintain quality and reduce accidental ingestion.
Always consult the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and review it periodically as revisions occur. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage levels in different product categories to ensure your formula remains compliant and safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Undecavertol
Undecavertol stays in peak condition when kept cool, dry and fully protected from light. A refrigerator at around 4 °C is ideal, yet a cupboard that never climbs above normal room temperature will still preserve quality if the bottle is shielded from direct sun or heat sources.
Use bottles fitted with polycone caps because the flexible insert forms a tighter seal than standard droppers. Dropper tops allow slow evaporation and air exchange, which can thicken the liquid and dull its brightness. Whatever closure you choose be sure to wipe the threads after each use so no residue hardens and cracks the seal.
Oxidation is slowed when headspace is minimal, so decant partial bottles into smaller ones rather than leaving them half empty. Label every container with the name CAS number date of receipt and any hazards noted on the Safety Data Sheet. Clear labels prevent mix-ups and help anyone in the workspace identify contents at a glance.
When a sample no longer meets your standards do not pour it down the drain. Although Undecavertol is readily biodegradable it carries an aquatic toxicity rating that makes sewer disposal risky. Collect leftover liquid and any solvent rinses in a dedicated hazardous waste jar and hand it over to a licensed disposal service. Small amounts soaked into blotters or strip ends can go into sealed trash destined for incineration if local rules allow.
Rinse pipettes and glassware with a bit of ethanol, add the washings to your waste jar and keep the lid tight. A tidy waste routine protects waterways and keeps your lab smelling pleasant.
Summary
Undecavertol is a Givaudan-developed aroma chemical prized for its crisp green floral profile that evokes lily of the valley, violet leaf and a hint of pear. Sitting in the heart of a perfume it lends natural freshness and bridges top notes to the base with notable strength for up to two days on blotter.
Perfumers use it in muguet, rose, linden and fruity accords at trace to 5 percent, always mindful that overdosing can turn the blend metallic. Cost sits in the mid range, making it accessible for daily creative work without being a bulk commodity. With solid stability in most product types and easy solubility it slides into both fine fragrance and functional formulas.
Proper storage in cool dark conditions, full bottles and tight polycone caps keeps the scent vivid while careful waste handling protects the environment. Commercial quantities come straight from Givaudan, yet hobbyists and small brands can source smaller packs from specialty suppliers and reputable generic manufacturers.