What Is Cis-3-Cis-6-Nonadienol?
Cis-3-Cis-6-Nonadienol is a nine-carbon alcohol that first appeared in technical literature around 1970 after researchers studied the molecules responsible for the fresh aroma of cut cucumber. Today it is made on an industrial scale through selective chemical synthesis that joins shorter carbon fragments then applies careful catalytic steps to lock the double bonds into their cis geometry. The result is a high purity liquid ready for fragrance work.
Although its roots lie in natural studies, the material sold to perfumers is almost always synthetic. Extracting enough of it from cucumbers or melons would be wasteful, so lab production offers better consistency and a far smaller environmental footprint.
At room temperature the ingredient is a clear mobile liquid that can look colorless or show a faint straw tint if it has been stored for a long time. It is light compared with water and flows easily when poured from a dropper.
Suppliers rate Cis-3-Cis-6-Nonadienol as an affordable specialty item. It is not as common as basic citrus oils yet it is widely stocked by fragrance houses because only a small dose can modernize green accords or boost the realism of fruit notes.
What Does Cis-3-Cis-6-Nonadienol Smell Like?
Perfumers group this molecule into the green family because it instantly recalls the snap of freshly cut plants. Off a smelling strip it opens with a bright splash that feels like slicing through a cold cucumber on a summer day. Alongside that watery crunch sits a gentle hint of honeydew rind which keeps the effect juicy rather than leafy or herbal. The overall scent is clean crisp and quietly sweet without any harsh edges.
In the structure of a perfume we talk about top middle and base notes. Cis-3-Cis-6-Nonadienol lives in the top to early middle range. It arrives quickly then lingers for an hour or two, supporting other notes as they unfold. It does not last through the entire drydown yet its fresh aura can still be sensed faintly on fabric after several hours.
Projection is moderate. A tiny percentage lifts the opening of a blend so the wearer and those nearby catch that dewy green sparkle, but it will not dominate the room. Longevity depends on the formula: in light colognes it fades by midday, in richer compositions anchored by woods or musks the green hint can be detected into the afternoon.
How & Where To Use Cis-3-Cis-6-Nonadienol
This is one of those materials that makes the lab smell like a fresh market stall, and it behaves nicely on the blotter. It pours cleanly, mixes fast and rarely discolours blends, so most perfumers consider it a pleasure to work with.
Its main job is to inject an authentic wet crunch into top notes. A few drops lift cucumber, melon, pear or leafy accords that feel flat or synthetic. It is also a smart shortcut for recreating the smell of freshly cut stems without resorting to harsher hexenal materials. When a formula needs freshness but not the lemony sparkle of citrals or the grassy bite of galbanum, this is the ingredient many reach for.
Typical usage lies between trace amounts and 0.5 percent in fine fragrance. Green colognes or sporty splashes may creep up to 1 percent. Household cleaners and fabric softeners can accept higher levels, sometimes up to 3 percent, because the finished product is heavily diluted and rinsed away. Going past 5 percent rarely helps because the note can flip from juicy into raw pumpkin skin.
Perception shifts with dosage. At a few parts per million it simply brightens other notes. Around 0.2 percent the cucumber facet becomes obvious and you start to sense melon rind. Push it toward the upper limits and an unripe banana nuance appears that can feel plasticky if unsupported.
The molecule dissolves well in ethanol, DPG or most common perfume bases, so no special solubiliser is needed. Diluting it to a 10 percent solution before weighing makes micro-dosing easier and reduces the risk of over pouring.
Safely Information
Even friendly smelling materials demand respect, and Cis-3-Cis-6-Nonadienol is no exception.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 1 percent or 10 percent solution in a suitable solvent to minimise exposure
- Never smell from the bottle: wave a scent strip over the opening or use a smelling cone instead of inhaling concentrated vapour
- Work in a ventilated area: adequate airflow prevents a buildup of fumes that could irritate the nose or throat
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: the liquid can defat skin and may cause eye discomfort if splashed
- Health considerations: some people develop irritation or allergic reactions to aroma chemicals, and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before routine handling; short contact with low levels is normally safe but prolonged or high dose exposure increases risk
For complete peace of mind consult the latest MSDS supplied with your batch, review it regularly for updates and follow any IFRA guidelines that apply to your intended product category.
Storage And Disposal
When sealed tightly and stored with care Cis-3-Cis-6-Nonadienol keeps its freshness for roughly two to three years from the production date. Past that point it gradually loses lift and may develop off notes if oxygen or light sneak in.
Refrigeration is not mandatory but a cool fridge shelf around 4 °C can easily stretch the usable window by several extra months. If a fridge is not available a cupboard that stays below 20 °C and never sees direct sunlight works almost as well.
Choose amber glass bottles fitted with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. The cone creates a snug seal that limits air exchange while dropper bottles often leak vapor and invite oxidation. Refill from bulk into smaller bottles as you use it so each container stays as full as possible.
Keep the storage area dry, separate from strong acids or bases and away from sparks because the flashpoint sits near 104 °C. Add a sheet of absorbent paper under the bottles to catch any drips and wipe spills right away to prevent slippery floors.
Label every bottle clearly with the full name, concentration, date opened and any hazard pictograms required by your local regulations. Good labeling saves time in the lab and avoids mistakes if several green aroma chemicals sit side by side.
For disposal small lab quantities can be diluted in an inert carrier such as sawdust then sent to a chemical waste facility that handles organic solvents. Never pour it straight down the drain; it floats on water and could form surface films that harm aquatic life. The molecule is partly biodegradable in soil over weeks yet municipal rules still classify it as special waste so follow local guidance.
Summary
Cis-3-Cis-6-Nonadienol is a lab made nine carbon alcohol celebrated for its instant cucumber and melon snap. It shines in the top to early heart of a perfume giving any green fruity or watery accord a realistic juicy pop without grassy harshness.
A pinch livens up fine fragrance while heavier doses make shampoos, soaps and candles smell like freshly sliced produce. It is affordable, mixes easily and rarely causes discoloration which makes it a fun tool for both beginners and seasoned perfumers.
Demand has grown steadily because few other materials deliver the same clean crunch yet users should watch out for oxidation, remember its moderate staying power and note that going above recommended levels can tilt the scent toward unripe banana and plastic.
Handle it with basic safety gear, store it cool and airtight and this little molecule will reward you with a fresh market vibe across a wide range of creative projects.