What Is Acetyl Frambinone?
Acetyl Frambinone is an aroma molecule first noted by perfumers in the mid 1970s during research into berry-like flavour compounds. It belongs to the family of acetylated ketones that chemists developed to boost the realistic fruit nuances missing from many synthetic blends of the time.
The material is produced through a multi-step laboratory process that starts with a raspberry ketone analogue. This base structure is acetylated then refined until the purity exceeds 97 percent. Because each step uses standard fragrance-grade reagents the ingredient is classed as fully synthetic rather than natural-derived.
At room temperature Acetyl Frambinone appears as a clear liquid that flows easily. Fresh batches look almost colourless although a faint yellow tint can emerge as the product ages. The liquid has a density slightly higher than water which makes it feel weighty when dispensed.
Perfumers appreciate the stability of this molecule which keeps its character in soaps shampoos candles and most household cleaners. Its broad compatibility means it is stocked by many compounders and is considered a workhorse rather than an exotic specialty item. Pricing tends to sit in the affordable range so creatives can use it at meaningful levels without blowing the budget.
While it never reached the iconic status of some classic synthetics Acetyl Frambinone has earned a steady place in fragrance labs worldwide thanks to its reliability ease of use and agreeable regulatory profile.
What Does Acetyl Frambinone Smell Like?
This molecule is usually grouped in the fruity family.
Off a smelling blotter it opens with a vibrant burst of mixed red berries that many describe as raspberry jam straight from the jar. Within seconds a cooler blueberry facet joins in giving the impression of fresh berries sprinkled over yogurt. A gentle sweetness underpins the accord yet there is just enough tang to keep it from feeling candy-like.
The note profile sits mainly in the heart of a composition. It arrives after the brightest top notes fade yet is still lively enough to show up early in the wearing experience. After twenty minutes or so the cooked-berry aspect softens into a smoother compote effect that can bridge into gourmand or woody bases.
Projection is moderate which suits both fine fragrance and functional products. On skin the scent can be detected for four to five hours before it tapers off. In soap or shampoo the aroma often lingers on towels and hair for a similar time frame giving a pleasant hint of berries without overstaying its welcome.
How & Where To Use Acetyl Frambinone
Most perfumers find Acetyl Frambinone a pleasure to handle. It pours smoothly, does not stain glassware and behaves predictably in blends which is a welcome break from some fickle berry materials.
The molecule shines whenever a realistic red fruit accent is needed. It slips easily into a mixed berry accord, rounds out a raspberry theme or lifts a woody vanilla base with a playful jammy twist. Creatives often reach for it when natural fruit extracts feel flat or too volatile because this synthetic keeps the berry impression alive for hours.
Usage levels vary by format but generally fall between trace amounts and 5 percent of the concentrate. At 0.1 percent it simply freshens a floral bouquet, while at 1–2 percent it delivers a clear blueberry-raspberry heart. Push it toward the upper end and the profile turns thicker and almost preserves-like which can be wonderful in gourmands yet overwhelming in delicate colognes.
Applications cover fine fragrance, shampoo, shower gel, soap, detergents, softeners, all-purpose cleaners and candles. Performance in hot process soap is solid with minimal discoloration and in candles the note survives the burn without turning harsh. The only real limitation is very dry compositions such as high-dose musks where its fruity sweetness can feel out of place.
Prep work is minimal: dilute to 10 percent in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for accurate smelling and easy weighing. The material is water-insoluble so an appropriate solubiliser is needed if you plan to add it directly to an aqueous base.
Safety Information
Like every aroma ingredient Acetyl Frambinone calls for a few sensible precautions before you dive into creative work.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 percent or weaker solution so the odour can be judged safely and more accurately.
- Never smell directly from the bottle: wave the bottle a short distance under your nose or use a smelling strip to avoid a sudden high-dose hit.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: good airflow prevents inhalation of concentrated vapours especially during weighing or hot blending.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: the liquid can irritate skin or eyes so a basic barrier is smart practice.
- Health considerations: some aroma chemicals trigger irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Consult a medical professional before handling if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Short encounters with low concentrations are broadly considered safe yet long or repeated exposure to higher levels may be harmful.
Always consult the latest safety data sheet provided by your supplier and double-check it regularly as updates do occur. Follow any current IFRA guideline that applies to your product category to ensure responsible usage.
Storage And Disposal
When sealed and kept under the right conditions a fresh batch of Acetyl Frambinone usually stays in spec for two to three years. Past that point the odour can dull and the colour may deepen yet the material rarely turns unusable overnight.
Refrigeration is optional but handy if you have space. A standard cool dark cupboard away from direct sun heaters or hot equipment will do the job for most users. Aim for a steady room temperature and avoid repeated warming and cooling cycles.
Use bottles with tight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These caps grip the neck of the bottle and give a better seal than glass dropper tops which often let air sneak in. The less oxygen the better so decant into smaller containers as the level drops to keep each bottle as full as you can.
Label every container with the name Acetyl Frambinone date of receipt dilution strength and key hazard phrases. Clear labels save time in the lab and help anyone else who might handle the stock understand what it is.
Dispose of unwanted or expired material through a licensed chemical waste handler rather than pouring it down the drain. Like many fragrance ingredients it is only slowly biodegradable in water systems so local rules usually require controlled disposal or incineration. Rinse empty bottles with solvent collect the washings for waste and recycle the clean glass where facilities allow.
Summary
Acetyl Frambinone is a synthetic fruity note that gives a convincing burst of raspberry blueberry and jam. It slots easily into berry accords brightens florals and lends a playful twist to gourmands or soft woods.
The molecule is stable across fine fragrance soap shampoo candles and most cleaners. It is affordable widely stocked and forgiving to work with which explains its steady popularity among perfumers and hobbyists alike.
Keep an eye on its water insolubility and the jammy sweetness that can dominate if you overdose in sheer compositions. Store it cool cap it tight and you will have a fun reliable tool ready to spark plenty of creative ideas.