What Is Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic?
Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic is an aroma molecule prized by perfumers for its bright clean effect. The material is supplied by DSM-Firmenich, although several other aroma-chemical houses offer comparable grades. It is produced through controlled chemical synthesis that builds the molecule step by step from simpler starting blocks, a process continuously refined to follow modern green-chemistry guidelines.
At room temperature the ingredient appears as a clear mobile liquid that pours easily and blends quickly into alcohol or oil bases. It belongs to a family of medium-chain aliphatic aldehydes that have shaped the classic “aldehydic” style of perfumery since the early twentieth century. Because of its versatility the molecule shows up in everything from luxury fine fragrances to everyday shampoos and detergents, making it a staple rather than a rarity.
In a finished formula it can be used at mere traces for a naturalistic floral lift or at higher levels when a pronounced sparkling top note is desired. Stock solutions kept in well-sealed containers under cool dark conditions typically remain fresh for around two years before subtle loss of radiance may be noticed. Pricewise the material sits in the accessible bracket which encourages liberal use during creative trials.
Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic’s Scent Description
This molecule is classified in the aldehydic family, a group known for imparting an airy champagne-like fizz. Off a smelling strip the first impression is a burst of zesty citrus rind laced with a cool watery nuance that feels almost ozonic. Within seconds a silky soapiness surfaces, evoking fresh linen hung out to dry, while a faint violet leaf crispness keeps the brightness alive. As the minutes pass the sharp edges soften into a gentle waxy sweetness that suggests peeled apple skin and sheer musk.
Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic behaves mainly as a top note. It flashes in early to announce a composition then subtly bridges into the heart where florals or fruits can take over. Although the initial sparkle is brief on skin, the molecule clings to textiles and paper for surprisingly long periods; on a blotter it can still be detected two days later, though in a much softer halo. Projection is assertive during the first hour so a little goes a long way, especially in fine fragrance where balance is key.
How & Where To Use Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic
Perfumers reach for Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic when they want an immediate burst of luminous freshness that lasts a little longer than the really volatile citruses. It excels in top notes for classic aldehydic florals, modern aquatic citrus scents and even some clean musky bases that need extra lift.
On its own it smells bright and watery, yet in a formula it often plays a supporting role. At trace levels it nudges white florals like jasmine or muguet into a more natural territory. At moderate levels it partners well with other fatty aldehydes such as C 10 and C 12 MNA to build the familiar sparkling accord found in Chanel Nº5 style compositions. It is also handy for sharpening orange or grapefruit notes without adding bitterness.
Typical inclusion sits anywhere between 0.01 % and 1 % of the total concentrate. Bold retro constructions can push it closer to 3 % while functional products like shampoo may go higher, up to the manufacturer’s suggested ceiling of roughly 5 %. The higher the dose the more obvious the waxy linen nuance becomes, so balance is key.
Concentration changes the perceived character. A crumb of the material melts invisibly into florals leaving only extra radiance. A mid-level dose gives a clear citrus mist at the top of the perfume. Overdo it and the note turns metallic and soapy and can overshadow delicate accords. For this reason many perfumers prepare a 10 % dilution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for easier fine tuning.
Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic shows good stability in rinse-off bases like shower gel and detergent. It performs very well in shampoo where its brightness survives the surfactants. In soap the high pH can dull the freshness after cure, so supplement with more robust aldehydes if needed. It behaves nicely in candles provided you dose it low to avoid aldehydic harshness on hot throw.
Before weighing, chill the bottle briefly if your lab is warm as aldehydes can lose potency through repeated uncapping. Wipe the thread after every use to reduce air exposure, and store the bulk in the freezer with a small working aliquot on the bench.
Safely Using Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic
Dilution is key. Always make a working solution before smelling or blending this ingredient. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle as the neat vapor can fatigue your nose and irritate sensitive tissue. Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to keep airborne levels low. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
Healthy adults handling diluted quantities for short periods seldom report issues, yet aldehydes can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies in some people. Discontinue contact if redness or itching occurs. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult your physician before working with any aroma chemical.
Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally considered safe, but prolonged or high-level exposure may lead to respiratory discomfort or sensitisation. Respect the 96 °C flashpoint and keep the material away from open flames. Clean spills promptly with absorbent paper then wash the area with soapy water.
Dispose of unwanted stock according to local hazardous waste regulations, never down the sink. Keep the container tightly closed, stored cool and dark, and use glass or fluorinated plastic to avoid reaction with the aldehyde.
Always refer to the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor, as updates can change recommended limits or first-aid measures. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum dosage in each product type to ensure your creation stays both fragrant and safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic
Good storage habits preserve the punchy freshness that makes Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic so valuable. A refrigerator set around 4 °C slows oxidation and is ideal for long term keeping but a cool dark cupboard also works if space is limited. Wherever you place it avoid spots near radiators or sunny windows because heat speeds up degradation.
Choose containers that seal tight. Polycone caps create a snug barrier against air and outperform rubber droppers which let vapor escape and oxygen creep in. For day-to-day use keep a small working bottle topped up so the headspace stays minimal and refill it from a larger master stock that stays chilled. Label both clearly with the ingredient name CAS 0000112-44-7 and basic hazard icons so no one mistakes it for something else.
Undiluted aldehydes can etch some plastics over time. Stick with amber glass or fluorinated HDPE to be safe. If you make ethanol or DPG dilutions store those in the same kind of containers and tighten the cap firmly after every weigh-out. Wipe the neck before closing to remove residue that can form crusts and distort future doses.
Waste handling is straightforward. Small quantities on blotters or paper towels can be allowed to evaporate in a fume hood then discarded in regular trash. Larger liquid leftovers should be collected in a dedicated solvent waste jug for professional disposal. Do not pour it down the sink even though the molecule will eventually biodegrade in the environment because local regulations treat it as hazardous until processed.
Rinse empty bottles with a bit of solvent add the rinse to your waste jug and triple-check that old labels are removed or defaced before recycling the glass. Keeping these habits consistent protects both your workspace and the aroma chemical’s sparkle.
Summary
Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic is a clear liquid aroma chemical that delivers a bright aldehydic citrus splash with a watery clean undertone. Perfumers rely on it to lift top notes extend citrus freshness and give a natural sheen to floral accords. Its moderate cost easy availability and two-day tenacity on a blotter have secured its place in both heritage and modern formulas.
The material stays lively when stored cool and protected from air yet it can fade or turn soapy if left uncapped or blended into high pH bases without support. Used at trace levels it hides in the background adding radiance while higher doses shape the signature of classic aldehydic bouquets. Pay attention to balance because too much pushes a metallic note that can dominate delicate blends.
Commercial buyers can order Aldehyde C 11 Undecylic directly from DSM-Firmenich or other large aroma houses. Hobbyists and small brands will find smaller packs through specialist reseller websites and generic suppliers who decant bulk stock into lab-friendly sizes. Whether you are crafting an iconic floral or a crisp shampoo this ingredient offers an accessible route to instant effervescence as long as you store it well and dose it wisely.