What Is Aldehyde C-11 MOA?
Aldehyde C-11 MOA is an individual aroma molecule belonging to the chemical class of long-chain aliphatic aldehydes. It first appeared in the mid-1950s when chemists were exploring new materials to give fragrances a modern clean lift. The material is produced through controlled oxidation of a specially selected fatty alcohol, followed by careful purification until it reaches a typical gas-chromatography purity of about 95 percent.
Although synthesised in the lab, tiny traces of the same carbon chain aldehyde have been identified in nature, most notably inside citrus peel. Commercial supply, however, is entirely synthetic since that route is more efficient and keeps quality consistent.
At room temperature it is a clear colorless liquid that pours easily, making handling straightforward in both fine fragrance and household product plants. Because the raw materials and processing equipment used to manufacture it are common in the aroma industry it falls into the affordable bracket rather than the luxury niche.
Formula stability is one of its strengths. A built-in antioxidant keeps the molecule from breaking down under normal production or storage conditions which is why it shows up in perfumes, soaps, detergents, candles and even softeners. Perfumers reach for it regularly so it is regarded as a workhorse rather than a rare specialty item.
What Does Aldehyde C-11 MOA Smell Like?
Perfumers group this molecule inside the aldehydic family, the set of ingredients famous for their airy sparkle. Off a blotter Aldehyde C-11 MOA opens with a burst that feels like freshly grated orange zest, tangy and bright. Within seconds a subtle peel-like bitterness joins in, stopping the note from becoming sweet. As the scent settles a faint sea-spray effect emerges giving a crisp marine touch that reminds many people of sun-dried linen on a coastal breeze.
When we talk about a fragrance pyramid we split ingredients into top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the first thing you notice, middle notes form the heart of the perfume and base notes provide the long-lasting backdrop. Aldehyde C-11 MOA clearly plays in the top zone. It flashes strongly in the first minutes then glides into the background after roughly thirty to sixty minutes, making space for the heart of the composition.
Projection is strong at the outset because aldehydes evaporate quickly, so the scent diffuses well and can be detected at arm’s length. Longevity is moderate; on a blotter the aromatic footprint is still detectable after two to three hours but in a much softer tone that blends into whatever follows in the formula.
How & Where To Use Aldehyde C-11 MOA
Most perfumers would tell you this is a friendly material to handle. It pours smoothly, does not gum up beakers and the scent blooms quickly so you can judge its effect without waiting around.
The ingredient shines as a top note booster. A drop in a citrus accord lifts orange, grapefruit or mandarin facets, making the opening feel juicier and more natural. In a marine composition it lends a salty spray nuance that pairs well with calone or seaweed absolutes. Whenever you need a clean linen sparkle in a fabric care scent this is a go-to because it survives the wash cycle better than many citrus oils.
Perfumers reach for Aldehyde C-11 MOA when traditional fatty aldehydes such as C10 or C12 are too waxy or when they want an orange peel effect without the full sweetness of orange oil. It layers smoothly with petitgrain, neroli and light florals like muguet or freesia.
Typical dose sits between 0.05 % and 0.5 % in fine fragrance but manufacturers say you can push to 2 % in functional products where a bright top flash is needed. At trace levels you get a subtle lift that most people cannot pick out as a separate note. At higher levels the aldehydic bite becomes obvious and might smell harsh unless balanced with sweeter citrus or musk.
The molecule is compatible with most bases yet can react with very strong acids or alkalis, so keep the concentrate in a neutral carrier such as dipropylene glycol or ethanol. No special prep is required beyond standard weighing and dilution, though it is wise to pre-blend it in alcohol before adding to a water-rich formula to avoid temporary cloudiness.
Safety Information
Like all aroma chemicals Aldehyde C-11 MOA calls for a few sensible precautions.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 10 % or weaker solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before evaluation
- Avoid sniffing from the bottle: headspace can hold concentrated vapors that may overwhelm your nose
- Work in good ventilation: open windows or use a fume hood to disperse airborne particles and limit inhalation
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: prevents accidental skin contact and eye splashes during weighing and mixing
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience irritation or sensitisation, pregnant or breastfeeding users should consult a doctor before handling and prolonged exposure to high concentrations is discouraged
Always review the most recent safety data sheet issued by your supplier and check it regularly for updates. Follow IFRA guidelines on allowable use levels in each product category to ensure consumer safety.
Storage And Disposal
When sealed tight and kept under the right conditions Aldehyde C-11 MOA stays in spec for about two to three years. Many labs push it longer but aroma quality slowly fades once the antioxidant is spent.
A fridge set between 4 °C and 8 °C will stretch shelf life, though a cool dark cupboard far from radiators or sunny windows is usually fine. Temperature swings are the real enemy because they speed up oxidation.
Choose bottles with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. The soft liner grips the glass and blocks air better than droppers or twist tops, lowering the chance of leaks and keeping oxygen out.
Try to store the liquid in nearly full containers. The smaller the headspace the less oxygen can reach the aldehyde so the fresh orange-marine snap lasts longer. If you decant into working bottles top them up or switch to a smaller size as the level drops.
Label every bottle clearly with Aldehyde C-11 MOA, the dilution strength, date filled and any hazard icons from the supplier SDS. Good labeling prevents mix-ups and speeds up safety checks later on.
For disposal never pour leftovers into a sink. Small volumes can be soaked into cat litter or another inert absorbent then sealed in a strong bag before placing in chemical waste. Larger amounts should go to a licensed disposal firm. The molecule is inherently biodegradable but only after dilution in a treatment plant so direct release is not advised.
Summary
Aldehyde C-11 MOA is a synthetic long-chain aldehyde that brings a fizzy orange peel note with a hint of sea breeze. It gives top notes extra lift and adds a clean linen sparkle in both fine fragrance and everyday products.
Perfumers like it because it is affordable, easy to handle and stable enough for soaps, detergents, shampoos, candles and more. Use it in traces for a subtle boost or push higher in functional scents that need a vivid opening.
Keep an eye on its quick flash, match it with softer citrus or florals and watch for oxidation during storage. Do that and you will have a fun versatile tool that earns its place on the bench time after time.