What Is Citrowanil B?
Citrowanil B is an aroma chemical created by fragrance chemists in the late 1990s, entering the commercial perfumery palette in 1998. It belongs to the nitrile chemical class and is obtained through a multi-step synthesis that starts with a citrus-derived aldehyde which is then converted into its corresponding nitrile under carefully controlled laboratory conditions. The process is entirely man-made so there is no natural source for this molecule.
At room temperature the material presents itself as a clear liquid that can appear water-white or take on a faint straw tint depending on storage conditions. It pours easily, has a relatively high boiling point for a fragrance ingredient and does not require additional stabilisers, a convenience for manufacturers formulating long-shelf-life consumer goods.
Citrowanil B enjoys steady demand in both fine fragrance and functional products thanks to its robust performance in challenging bases like detergents and bleach. While not considered rare it is less ubiquitous than classics such as limonene or linalool, making it a useful point of difference for perfumers seeking a fresher twist. Cost-wise it sits in the mid-range: affordable enough for large-scale use yet still prized for its purity specification of at least 98 percent.
What Does Citrowanil B Smell Like?
Perfumers group Citrowanil B in the citrus family. Off a blotter it first shows a bright lemon-lime impression that immediately reads fresh and juicy. Within seconds a playful fruity nuance pops up, reminiscent of mixed orchard fruit rather than sharp peel. As the minutes roll on a gentle spearmint facet surfaces adding a light herbal coolness that keeps the profile lively without turning medicinal.
When explaining perfume structure we speak of top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the first to reach your nose, middle notes form the heart of the perfume once the top fades and base notes are the slowest to evaporate, anchoring the composition. Citrowanil B lives firmly in the top zone yet it hangs on a little longer than volatile citrus terpenes, bridging smoothly into the heart before finally slipping away.
Projection, the distance at which a material can be perceived, is moderate for Citrowanil B: noticeable in the first arm’s length but never overwhelming. Longevity on a blotter averages two to three hours which is impressive for a citrus-type molecule and one reason formulators value it when they need freshness that lasts past the opening act.
How & Where To Use Citrowanil B
Citrowanil B is a breeze to handle. It pours cleanly, has no gritty crystals to wrestle with and its mild odour strength makes it forgiving when you slightly over-measure.
Perfumers reach for it when a composition needs a fresh citrus lift that lasts longer than straight limonene yet feels less sharp than aldehydes. It shines in the top of eau de colognes, modern fougères and fruity florals where a sparkling opening must stay lively after the first few minutes.
At 0.1-0.5 percent of the concentrate it behaves like a juicy accent, rounding grapefruit or bergamot while smoothing any harsh peel notes. Push it toward 1-2 percent and the spearmint facet steps forward adding an outdoorsy snap to marine or green blends. Around 3-5 percent it can become a signature note in tutti-frutti accords, pairing nicely with ethyl maltol or raspberry ketone to suggest chewy candy freshness.
Citrowanil B keeps its character in challenging media so it is a favorite for shampoos, shower gels, soaps and detergents where bleach or high pH would normally eat citrus notes alive. In fine fragrance it partners well with Iso E Super and vetiver for a contemporary citrus-woody style. Candles also benefit thanks to its flash point over 100 °C though you may need to boost with a high-impact top to compensate for reduced throw in wax.
Less suited are very heavy oriental bases where its bright personality can feel out of place unless used at trace. In gourmand work watch the herbal coolness at higher levels as it can clash with warm vanilla.
No special prep is required beyond the usual dilution in ethanol or DPG before evaluation. A 10 percent solution is standard practice and keeps dosing predictable in the scale-up phase.
Safety Information
Like all aroma chemicals Citrowanil B demands sensible precautions to ensure safe handling.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 10 percent or weaker solution in a suitable solvent to avoid nose fatigue or irritation.
- Never smell directly from the bottle: use a perfume blotter or waft vapours toward your nose rather than inhaling head-on.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: good airflow reduces the chance of inhaling concentrated vapours during weighing or blending.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes or spills.
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Consult a healthcare professional if pregnant or breastfeeding. Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally safe but extended or high-level contact can be harmful.
For complete peace of mind always consult the latest safety data sheet supplied with your batch, keep an eye on updates and follow IFRA guidelines for maximum recommended levels in finished products.
Storage And Disposal
When kept under ideal conditions Citrowanil B will usually remain within spec for three to four years before any noticeable drop in purity or odour quality shows up. That clock starts the day the drum is opened so write the date on the label the moment you unseal it.
Refrigeration is helpful but not essential. A cool dark cupboard away from direct sun and any heat source works for most users. Temperature swings are the enemy, not cold itself, so try to avoid daily highs and lows.
Oxidation is slowed when headspace is kept to a minimum. Store the material in smaller bottles once the level in the original container gets low and top those bottles right to the shoulder. Polycone caps give a tighter seal than dropper tops which tend to wick air in and out as temperatures fluctuate.
If you make dilutions in ethanol or DPG use the same capping approach. Label every container clearly with “Citrowanil B,” the dilution strength, date and any hazard phrases from the SDS. Good labeling saves guesswork months later when the scent strip has long faded.
For disposal check local regulations first. In many areas small laboratory quantities can be mixed with plenty of warm soapy water then sent down the drain while flushing thoroughly. Larger volumes or concentrated waste should go to a licensed chemical disposal facility. Citrowanil B is not readily biodegradable due to its moderate log P so avoid pouring bulk quantities into surface water or soil.
Rinse empty bottles, let them air dry with caps off then recycle according to your municipal glass or plastic stream. Keep records of all disposals in case authorities ask for proof of responsible handling.
Summary
Citrowanil B is a lab made nitrile that delivers a long lasting lemon-lime sparkle with hints of orchard fruit and a cool spearmint twist. It excels in giving freshness to tutti-frutti accords, colognes, shampoos and even bleach-based cleaners while staying affordable enough for everyday use.
Thanks to its high flash point and good stability it pops up in candles, softeners and detergents where classic citrus notes fade too fast. Perfumers like the way it bridges the gap between top and heart while hobbyists enjoy how forgiving it is at the weighing scale.
Keep an eye on air exposure to preserve that bright profile and remember that its herbal nuance can clash with heavy orientals if overdosed. Other than that Citrowanil B is a fun versatile tool that earns its spot on the scent bench and will probably stay popular for years to come.