What Is 2-Tridecanone?
2-Tridecanone is an eleven carbon ketone that first caught the attention of chemists in the mid 1960s when it was identified in the waxy coating of certain wild tomato leaves. Today it is produced on a larger scale, most often through a straightforward synthetic route that joins shorter chain molecules followed by controlled oxidation. Smaller volumes can also be obtained by distilling plant material rich in long chain ketones, though the synthetic approach gives purer material and a steadier supply.
At room temperature the compound forms a soft wax or small crystalline flakes that look snow-white to faintly yellow depending on trace impurities. It melts easily between the fingers then quickly resolidifies as the warmth dissipates, a handy visual cue of its mid-chain length. The substance is practically odorless until it warms, a trait that helps perfumers handle it without overwhelming the workspace.
The ingredient sits in the mid-range of the cost spectrum. It is not a rare luxury molecule yet it is valued for its technical performance, so it sees regular use in both fine fragrance and functional products. Because it remains stable in soap, detergent and candle bases formulators reach for it when they need reliability. Stocks are broadly available from the main aroma-chemical suppliers which keeps lead times short and pricing predictable.
Although 2-Tridecanone originated in nature the commercial material reaching perfumers today is largely synthetic. This ensures consistent quality, purity above 96 percent and minimal batch-to-batch variation which is essential for maintaining a fragrance profile over time.
What Does 2-Tridecanone Smell Like?
Perfumers usually file 2-Tridecanone under the herbal family. Off a smelling strip it opens with a clean cut grass note that feels slightly oily, quickly joined by a hint of crushed tomato leaf. Within a few minutes a mild fruity aspect peeks through, reminiscent of unripe banana skin rather than a juicy pulp. As the strip dries further a quiet burnt milk nuance appears giving the accord a toasted edge, while a whisper of soft spice lingers in the background. The overall effect is natural and vegetal rather than sweet or floral.
In terms of evaporation curve 2-Tridecanone behaves like a middle note that leans toward the base. It does not flash off as fast as citrus materials yet it does not anchor a perfume in the way heavier musks do. Expect it to rise after the top notes fade, then stay detectable for three to four hours on a blotter before tapering to a faint waxy trace.
Projection is moderate, creating a rounded aura without shouting across the room. Longevity on skin sits in the six to eight hour range depending on concentration and surrounding ingredients. This makes it a dependable backbone for herbal or green accords that need to last through the day without overwhelming the wearer.
How & Where To Use 2-Tridecanone
Most perfumers find 2-Tridecanone a pleasure to handle. It stays put on the blotter, does not rush out of the bottle and has a manageable melting point that lets you weigh or pipette it without fuss.
You will usually reach for this material when you need a realistic green thread that lasts longer than top note grassy aldehydes yet feels lighter than heavy galbanum resinoids. It slips neatly into tomato leaf, basil or cut grass accords, reinforces rosemary or thyme notes and adds a touch of vegetal warmth to fougère bases. A tiny dose can even freshen fruity blends by giving them a crisp, just-picked edge.
In fine fragrance the working range sits between 0.05 % and 1 %. Amounts toward the higher end push the oily herbal core forward and reveal the burnt milk facet that can lend character to gourmand or smoky concepts. In shampoos, soaps and candles you can climb to 3 % or so because the waxy body survives processing heat and still projects after curing. Occasional functional cleaners may tolerate up to 5 %, though at that strength the note dominates and can feel medicinal.
Perception shifts with concentration. Trace levels read as leafy freshness, mid levels offer a fuller fruity herbal heart and high levels highlight the toasted spicy edge. Always build your formula in small increments and smell the blend after a few minutes of evaporation to gauge where the balance sits.
No special prep is needed beyond warming the stock bottle if it has solidified. A brief dip in a warm water bath liquefies the wax without degrading it. Once fluid, weigh it quickly and cap the bottle again to keep air and dust out.
Safely Information
Working with 2-Tridecanone is straightforward yet certain precautions and considerations apply as with all aroma chemicals.
- Dilution first: Always dilute the raw material in a suitable solvent such as ethanol or dipropylene glycol before evaluating the odor
- No bottle sniffing: Never smell the ingredient directly from the bottle to avoid overwhelming the nose and mucous membranes
- Ventilation matters: Blend and evaluate in a well-ventilated space to keep airborne concentrations low
- Personal protection: Wear gloves and safety glasses to prevent accidental skin or eye contact with the undiluted substance
- Health considerations: Some aroma chemicals can provoke irritation or allergic reactions. Brief exposure to low levels is generally safe, however prolonged or high exposure may be harmful. Consult a doctor before handling if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Always consult the latest safety data sheet issued by your supplier and review it regularly for updates. Follow any IFRA guideline limits that apply to your product category to ensure safe use in finished goods.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in the right conditions a sealed bottle of 2-Tridecanone usually stays within spec for around three years, sometimes longer. The clock starts ticking once the cap is opened so aim to finish the stock within two years for best freshness.
Refrigeration is helpful but not mandatory. A cool dark cupboard away from radiators, windows and hot equipment keeps the waxy crystals happy. Wide temperature swings invite condensation inside the bottle which can cloud the material so steady conditions are worth the effort.
Choose glass bottles with tight-fitting polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These liners form a reliable seal that keeps oxygen out and prevents leaks. Dropper tops do the opposite by allowing slow evaporation and air exchange so reserve them for short-term evaluation samples only.
Try to store the liquid in containers that are as full as practical. Less headspace means less air and slower oxidation. If your larger bottle is running low decant the remainder into a smaller vial to extend shelf life.
Label every container clearly with the name 2-Tridecanone, the date of opening, the percent dilution if any and the relevant hazard symbols. Future you will thank present you for the extra clarity.
Disposal is straightforward but must follow local rules. The molecule is biodegradable over time yet dumping it down the drain in bulk can still stress wastewater systems. Small residual amounts left in pipettes or on blotters can go in regular trash. Larger liquid leftovers should be collected in a sealed jar then taken to a household hazardous waste facility or given to a licensed disposal contractor. Never pour unused concentrate into streams or soil.
Summary
2-Tridecanone is a mid-chain ketone that started life on tomato leaves and now shows up on perfumers’ benches worldwide. It smells like a realistic cut grass and tomato leaf accord with subtle fruity burnt milk and spicy tones, landing squarely in the herbal family.
The material brings lasting green freshness to basil, rosemary, fougère or even modern fruity blends and it plays well in fine fragrance, soaps, shampoos, candles and cleaners. It is fun to experiment with because tiny tweaks in dosage swing the scent from leafy crispness to toasted warmth.
Popularity comes from its balance of cost, stability and olfactive character. It survives high pH soaps and hot candle pours without breaking apart. Just remember to keep air and heat at bay, budget for its mid-level price and respect its specific herbal profile so it supports rather than hijacks your concept.