What Is Intreleven Aldehyde?
Intreleven Aldehyde is a modern aroma ingredient first catalogued in 2015 during a research program focused on giving new life to food industry by products. Chemists discovered that certain surplus citrus streams could be gently oxidized to yield an aldehydic molecule with unusually clean performance in fragrance compositions. The resulting material received the internal reference number 90780 and later the CAS number 1337-83-3.
Although its structure is identical to a molecule that could exist in nature, commercial batches are produced through an upcycling route that starts with renewable feedstocks rather than petroleum. This approach uses fermentation followed by selective oxidation which keeps the supply chain traceable and significantly lowers environmental impact. Because the process relies on readily available surplus material the ingredient is generally priced in the mid range compared with other specialty aldehydes.
At room temperature Intreleven Aldehyde appears as a clear liquid that may take on a faint straw tint if stored for long periods. It is fully miscible with most perfumery solvents and shows good stability in fine fragrance concentrates and fabric conditioners though it struggles in high heat detergent powders.
Usage has grown quickly over the past decade. Niche houses prize it for its modern cleanliness while large brands appreciate its biodegradability credentials which help meet increasingly strict environmental guidelines.
What Does Intreleven Aldehyde Smell Like?
Perfumers place Intreleven Aldehyde in the aldehydic family a group known for their bright effervescent lift. On a blotter the first impression is a vivid flash of fizzy sparkle reminiscent of freshly peeled lemon mixed with a cool sea breeze. Within seconds a soft floral nuance blooms suggesting white petals rinsed in cold water then a subtle hint of wet linen rounds out the accord. The overall effect is intense yet airy never waxy or soapy like some classic aldehydes.
In the traditional top middle base framework the molecule performs mainly as a top note that bridges smoothly into the heart. Its moderate molecular weight and vapor pressure allow it to linger beyond the initial burst so the fresh signature remains noticeable for several hours before yielding to the rest of the composition.
Projection is strong and diffusive making small dosages effective when a fragrance needs instant radiance. On a standard blotter the scent remains detectable for six to eight hours an impressive lifespan for a top-oriented material.
How & Where To Use Intreleven Aldehyde
Perfumers tend to call this one a pleasure to handle. It pours easily, blends without fuss and the scent pops right out of the beaker so you can judge its effect in seconds.
Intreleven Aldehyde shines as the opening spark in fresh florals, marine accords and modern citrus compositions. When a brief wants oceanic brightness but without the salty harshness of some ozonic materials a touch of Intreleven adds that airy seaside lift then slips into the flowers with no rough edge. It also pairs beautifully with neroli, orange blossom or muguet bases where its cool linen facet cleans up any indolic heaviness.
Formulators often reach for it instead of classic C10–C12 fatty aldehydes when they need radiance but want to avoid the vintage waxy vibe those older molecules bring. Its mild citrus tone makes it a handy bridge between aldehydes and hesperidic top notes so you can keep the formula tight while still getting sparkle.
Performance varies by product. It holds up well in fine fragrance, fabric softener and bar soap where the pH and processing temperatures are gentle. In hot spray dry detergent powders it tends to flash off during manufacture so most creators either boost the dose or drop it entirely.
Typical use levels range from a whisper in the 0.05 % zone for subtle effervescence up to 3 – 5 % of the concentrate when you want a clearly aldehydic signature. At traces you mainly get a watery floral freshness. Push it past 1 % and the marine citrus quality comes forward and can dominate the top if unsupported.
No special prep work is required beyond the usual practice of pre diluting it to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for ease of weighing and safer evaluation.
Safely Information
Working with Intreleven Aldehyde is straightforward although, like any aroma chemical, a few basic precautions keep the lab safe and comfortable.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 10 % or weaker solution so you can evaluate the scent without overwhelming your nose
- Never sniff straight from the bottle: headspace concentrations can be far higher than you expect and may irritate mucous membranes
- Ensure good ventilation: open windows or use a fume hood to prevent buildup of vapors during weighing and blending
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: direct skin or eye contact with neat material can cause irritation
- Health considerations: some users may experience sensitization, redness or allergy like symptoms, consult a doctor before working with this or any fragrance ingredient if pregnant or breastfeeding. Brief exposure to low levels is generally safe but prolonged or high concentration contact can be harmful
Always review the latest Material Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and monitor it for updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines to confirm that your chosen use level stays within the recommended limits for each product category.
Storage And Disposal
When stored correctly Intreleven Aldehyde keeps its full character for roughly two years, sometimes longer if handled with care. A tight seal and minimal light exposure are the biggest contributors to shelf life.
Refrigeration is helpful but not strictly required. A cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources is usually fine. Keep the bottle upright, sealed with a polycone lined cap that forms a positive lock against vapor loss. Dropper tops are convenient for quick dosing yet they let air creep in so reserve them for very short-term use.
Try to store the material in containers that stay as full as practical. Reducing the headspace limits the oxygen available for slow oxidation that can dull the bright citrus marine sparkle you bought it for. If you regularly prepare a working dilution make it in small batches then top up the master container with nitrogen or simply close it tightly again to keep the remaining stock fresher.
Always label every vial and bottle clearly with the ingredient name concentration date of preparation and any hazard phrases required by your supplier. A legible label saves confusion later and keeps everyone in the lab informed about what is inside.
Disposal is straightforward thanks to the ingredient’s readily biodegradable nature. Small amounts left on blotters or in a rinse beaker can go into regular solvent waste destined for controlled incineration. Larger unwanted volumes should be collected in a dedicated fragrance waste drum and handed to a licensed disposal contractor who will process it according to local regulations. Never pour neat material down the drain since concentrated fragrance oils can still stress wastewater systems.
Summary
Intreleven Aldehyde is an upcycled aldehydic note that opens a formula with sparkling citrus floral ozone freshness then fades smoothly into the heart. Perfumers like its clean profile versatility and eco story which fits modern brand values.
A touch can brighten white florals marine blends or crisp citruses while heavier doses create a signature aldehydic top that feels contemporary not vintage. It blends easily stays stable in alcohol bases and fabric care yet struggles in high heat detergents so plan around that limitation.
Cost sits in the mid tier making it accessible for both niche projects and larger launches. Treat the concentrate with the usual respect keep the bottle full and capped tightly and it will reward you with two years of reliable performance. Fun to work with flexible across accords and carrying solid green credentials it is easy to see why Intreleven Aldehyde has secured a loyal spot on many perfume organ benches.