What Is Cycloverdyl Propionate?
Cycloverdyl Propionate is an ester molecule introduced to the fragrance palette in 1997 when a European aroma laboratory was exploring new green tonalities for modern fougères. It does not occur in nature at levels useful for extraction, so every commercial sample is produced synthetically through the controlled reaction of a cyclic terpenoid alcohol with propionic acid. The process is considered environmentally considerate, relying on catalytic methods that minimize waste and energy consumption.
At room temperature the material appears as a clear liquid that can show a faint yellow tint depending on storage age. It remains fluid even in a cool compounding room, which makes weighing and pouring simple for both large and small scale production. With a Gas Chromatography purity typically above 97 percent, it is regarded as a high grade ingredient that needs no added antioxidant or stabilizer.
Formulators reach for Cycloverdyl Propionate frequently, yet it sits a step below the true workhorse ingredients in terms of sheer volume. Price wise it occupies the middle ground: not exotic enough to break a budget yet specialized enough that it is purchased with intention rather than by default. Its broad compatibility with both alcohol based fine fragrance and functional products such as shampoos or candles gives it a solid place on the perfumer’s shelf.
What Does Cycloverdyl Propionate Smell Like?
Perfumers file Cycloverdyl Propionate under the herbal family. Off a blotter the opening impression delivers a fresh green clarity reminiscent of crushed stems, quickly joined by a gentle fruity nuance that some compare to underripe pear. Within minutes a soft woody thread weaves through, grounding the composition and preventing the herbaceous aspect from feeling too sharp.
On the traditional fragrance pyramid the material behaves like a middle note. It rises into perception shortly after the brightest volatiles have flashed off, then supports the heart of a blend for several hours before yielding to deeper base materials. Projection is moderate: it sits close enough to the skin to feel polished yet still lends a discernible presence in the sillage. Longevity on a blotter typically reaches six to eight hours, which is respectable for a mid note of its molecular weight and polarity.
How & Where To Use Cycloverdyl Propionate
Most perfumers agree this is a friendly material to handle. It pours smoothly, it is not overly volatile so it will not fill the lab with fumes, and its green fruity vibe shows its personality quickly on a blotter.
In a formula Cycloverdyl Propionate shines as a linking note between crisp herbal tops and mellow woody hearts. A few drops can freshen a lavender-rosemary accord, tighten a minty opening or give lift to an otherwise flat cedar base. It is often chosen over generic cis-3-hexenol derivatives when the brief calls for something greener yet slightly more polished and substantive.
The recommended range runs from mere traces up to about 8 %. Fine fragrances rarely exceed 2 % because higher amounts push the fruity facet forward and can crowd lighter florals. In shampoos, soaps or candles you can explore 3–5 % since the surrounding matrix mutes its intensity. At 0.1 % it delivers a whisper of crunchy stems, at 1 % the underripe pear note becomes obvious and beyond 4 % the woody aspect comes to the front and may darken a composition.
Its stability in both aqueous and alcohol bases makes it suitable for everything from eau de parfum to liquid detergent. It tolerates high pH so laundry powders and hard-surface cleaners are fair game. The only real limitation is very cold process bar soap where long cure times can shave off some freshness, so pairing it with a more tenacious green material is advised.
No elaborate prep work is required. If precise dosing is needed prepare a 10 % solution in perfumer’s alcohol or dipropylene glycol to simplify weighing. The ester holds up well in premixes and does not demand antioxidants.
Safety Information
While Cycloverdyl Propionate is considered low hazard for routine perfumery use certain precautions and considerations must always be observed.
- Always dilute before evaluation: create a 1 % or lower solution before smelling to avoid overwhelming the nose or risking mucous membrane irritation.
- Avoid direct bottle sniffing: inhale from a blotter or scent strip instead to keep concentrated vapors away from sensitive tissues.
- Ensure good ventilation: work in a fume hood or well-aired room to prevent buildup of airborne material during compounding.
- Wear personal protective equipment: gloves and safety glasses help prevent accidental skin contact or eye splashes.
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience irritation or sensitization. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a healthcare professional before prolonged handling. Short controlled exposure is generally safe but extended contact with neat material should be avoided.
Always consult the most recent Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and revisit it regularly as revisions occur. Follow current IFRA guidelines for concentration limits in each product category to ensure both regulatory compliance and consumer safety.
Storage And Disposal
When kept under the right conditions Cycloverdyl Propionate stays fresh for three to five years before any noticeable drop in quality. After that point you may see a slight darkening or a flattening of the green note.
The best place for long term storage is a refrigerator set between 4 °C and 8 °C. If fridge space is tight a cool dark cupboard away from direct sun and heat vents is still acceptable. Room temperatures above 25 °C speed up oxidation and should be avoided.
Always cap bottles with polycone lined closures. They seal tighter than standard screw caps and stop slow air exchange. Skip dropper bottles because the rubber bulbs breathe and allow the ester to evaporate over time. Keep containers as full as possible or move leftovers to smaller bottles so the headspace stays minimal.
Label every container with the full name Cycloverdyl Propionate, the date of bottling, concentration if diluted and hazard symbols if required in your region. Clear labeling prevents mix-ups and helps anyone on your team handle the material safely.
If you decide to discard old stock do not pour it down a household drain. Collect the liquid in a sealed jar and take it to a municipal hazardous waste center or use a licensed chemical disposal service. Small spills on blotters can go in regular trash once fully evaporated. The molecule is moderately biodegradable with a log Kow of 3.51 so large amounts should never reach waterways.
Summary
Cycloverdyl Propionate is a synthetic ester that delivers a crisp herbal scent backed by fruity pear and soft wood. It works as a flexible mid note that lifts green accords freshens woody blends and adds polish to shampoos soaps candles and fine fragrance.
Perfumers like it because it pours easily costs a fair amount and stays stable in both water and alcohol systems. Use it in tiny traces for a hint of stem or push up to 8 percent when you want a bolder green signature.
Keep an eye on shelf life and store it cool with polycone caps to protect the delicate top. Within its sweet spot this is a fun ingredient that can brighten countless creations and reward a little creative play.