What Is Cis-Jasmone Lactone?
Cis-Jasmone Lactone is an aroma molecule first reported in the mid-1990s during research aimed at expanding the jasmine palette available to perfumers. It belongs to a small group of lactones that add a rounded floral nuance without relying on costly natural absolutes.
The material is made in the lab through a multi-step process that starts with plant-derived fatty alcohols. These are converted into a hexenyl chain, cyclised into a furanone ring then carefully purified. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid with a thin, almost water-like texture.
Although tiny traces of the molecule occur in some flowers, the quantities found in nature are far too low for commercial harvest so all perfume-grade material is produced synthetically. This keeps supply steady and pricing moderate, making the ingredient accessible for fine fragrance houses as well as manufacturers of everyday scented goods.
Today Cis-Jasmone Lactone is considered a workhorse rather than a rarity. It shows up in modern floral bouquets, tropical accords and even some household products where a soft clean bloom is wanted without pushing costs too high.
What Does Cis-Jasmone Lactone Smell Like?
Perfumers place this molecule in the floral family. On a blotter it unfolds as gentle white petals reminiscent of fresh jasmine absolute, quickly joined by a silky milk-like undertone that hints at coconut and warm wax. Nothing about it feels syrupy or heavy; instead it gives a smooth, almost skin-scent softness that can make a blend feel more natural.
Cis-Jasmone Lactone behaves mainly as a middle note. It rises a few minutes after application, bridges any bright top notes, then lingers well into the dry-down where it links gracefully with woods or musks. Its projection is polite yet noticeable, creating a light aura rather than a loud trail.
Longevity is one of its strengths. Even at low dosages the scent can still be traced on a blotter two days later, which helps a finished perfume maintain a creamy floral glow long after the brighter facets have faded.
How & Where To Use Cis-Jasmone Lactone
This is a nice, easygoing material that behaves well on the strip and in the bench vial. It blends without tantrums and rarely stains equipment thanks to its pale colour and light texture.
Perfumers reach for it when a jasmine accord needs extra creaminess or when a tropical floral needs to feel smoother and more skin like. It can replace part of expensive jasmine absolute or enrich synthetic bouquets built around hedione, linalool or benzyl acetate. In coconut, tiaré or gardenia themes it softens sharp edges and adds sun-lotion warmth.
In modern fine fragrance a touch of Cis-Jasmone Lactone at 0.1 % to 0.5 % of the concentrate is often enough. Functional products such as shampoo or fabric softener may go a little higher up to 1 % because rinsing and surfactants dull the scent. Going past 2 % pushes the waxy coconut side to the front and can flatten brighter facets, so reserve the 2 % to 5 % range for very specific tropical gourmand briefs.
At trace levels the material smells almost like fresh petals with a faint milky glow. Mid levels reveal the full jasmine bouquet while high levels turn decidedly creamy and slightly fatty. This concentration flexibility lets the perfumer steer the profile without switching to a different ingredient.
Preparation is simple: pre dilute to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for easier weighing and more accurate dosing. The molecule is stable in most bases so no special antioxidants are required.
Safety Information
Working with any aroma chemical calls for sensible precautions and Cis-Jasmone Lactone is no exception.
- Always dilute before evaluation: create a solution in a suitable solvent and smell the blotter once the solvent has flashed off
- Never sniff directly from the bottle: concentrated vapours can overwhelm the nose and mask subtle notes in later tests
- Work in a well ventilated space: good airflow reduces airborne build up and keeps exposure levels low
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: personal protective equipment prevents accidental skin or eye contact
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience irritation or sensitisation, pregnant or breastfeeding users should consult a physician before handling and prolonged or high level exposure should be avoided
Always refer to the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied with your batch and check it regularly for updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category to ensure your formula remains both enjoyable and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in the right conditions Cis-Jasmone Lactone will hold its quality for roughly three to four years, sometimes longer. The clock starts counting once the drum or bottle is first opened because oxygen and moisture begin to creep in each time you uncap it.
Refrigeration is not required but a spot in the back of a household fridge or lab cooler can extend shelf life by slowing oxidation. If cold storage is not possible place the bottle in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight or any heat source such as radiators or hot pipes. Sudden temperature swings are more damaging than steady mild warmth so aim for a stable environment.
Always cap stock and dilutions with tight-sealing polycone liners. They squeeze gently against the neck and make a far better barrier than glass droppers or pipette inserts that let air leak in. For working solutions choose bottle sizes that you can keep almost full. Less headspace means less oxygen to kick off unwanted reactions that dull the creamy floral tone.
Label every container clearly with the ingredient name batch number date opened and any hazard icons recommended in the safety data sheet. A quick glance should tell anyone what is inside and how to handle it.
Small rinse water from blotters or glassware can usually go down the drain with plenty of running water as the molecule is considered readily biodegradable but always check local rules first. Leftover concentrate or larger volumes should be handed to a licensed chemical waste contractor who can incinerate or recycle solvent content safely. Never pour bulk perfume raw materials into sinks soil or outdoor drains.
Store empty but still scented bottles with caps on until they can be cleaned or disposed of. This stops lingering vapours from spreading through the workspace and keeps your reference smell library from becoming contaminated.
Summary
Cis-Jasmone Lactone is a lab-made floral molecule that gives a soft clean jasmine vibe wrapped in a silky coconut milk glow. It fills the middle of a perfume adding smoothness without stealing the spotlight and it keeps on blooming for days on a strip.
Use it to round out white bouquets lighten tropical florals or stretch costly jasmine absolute. At trace it whispers fresh petals at higher dose it turns creamy and beachy so one bottle covers plenty of mood boards.
The ingredient is friendly on the budget stable in most bases and happy in everything from luxury eau de parfum to laundry softener. Just keep it cool and tightly capped to avoid oxidation and remember that going over two percent can tip the scent toward waxy coconut.
In short Cis-Jasmone Lactone is a fun versatile tool that earns its shelf space in any creative kit helping perfumers craft everything from elegant bridal florals to laid-back holiday blends.