What Is Undecatriene?
Undecatriene is an eleven-carbon molecule belonging to the family of unsaturated hydrocarbons known as polyenes. First catalogued by aroma chemists in 1968, it quickly earned attention for the distinctive effect it contributes to fragrance design.
The material is produced through a fully synthetic route. Chemists start with small olefin building blocks sourced from petrochemical feedstocks, then use selective catalytic reactions to lengthen the chain and insert three double bonds in precise positions. This laboratory approach guarantees consistent purity and removes any reliance on plant harvests, giving perfumers a steady supply all year round.
At room temperature Undecatriene appears as a clear, mobile liquid that looks much like water. It is normally supplied in small, amber-glass bottles to protect it from light which can trigger oxidation of the double bonds.
Usage is fairly specialised. Because the molecule packs a punch at very low levels, only trace amounts are needed, and it is most often found in fine fragrance, soap bases and air care where a realistic green nuance is required. The cost sits in the mid-range for aroma chemicals: not the cheapest on the perfumer’s shelf but far from a luxury raw material.
Its popularity has grown steadily as more creators discover how effectively it lifts and modernises botanical accords without adding much weight or sweetness.
What Does Undecatriene Smell Like?
This ingredient is grouped in the green family, the same broad group that covers notes suggesting leaves, stems and fresh plant sap.
Off a blotter the first impression is a vivid burst of cut grass and crushed leafy stems with a bright metallic edge. Moments later a resinous galbanum-like quality surfaces, bringing an almost wet earthy tone that feels both natural and slightly sharp. Underneath, a subtle herbal facet keeps the profile aromatic rather than purely vegetal.
In the traditional top, middle and base structure Undecatriene sits firmly in the top note. It flashes out of the formula early, signaling freshness, then hands over to the heart within minutes. Despite this volatility, a faint leafy residue can still be detected after several hours, helping bridge into the mid-accord.
Projection is strong at first thanks to its high impact character. On a standard paper blotter the material remains noticeable for roughly one day, after which it subsides, leaving only a whisper of green nuance close to the surface.
How & Where To Use Undecatriene
First things first, this is a fun material to handle. It behaves well in the lab, pours easily and gives an instant green kick that makes blotters spring to life.
Perfumers reach for Undecatriene when a composition needs a vivid leafy flash rather than a heavy forest floor. It slots neatly into galbanum accords, modern chypres, tomato‐leaf twists and crisp herbal colognes. A trace can also freshen floral bouquets by sharpening muguet or hyacinth notes without turning the whole formula bitter.
The typical use level sits between a whisper at 0.01 % and a still modest 1 %. Above 1 % the metallic aspect can overpower softer partners and start to smell harsh. At very low levels it simply brightens the mix, while medium strength lifts the green heart into clear focus. Large doses are best reserved for experimental niche projects that embrace bold greenery.
Undecatriene shines in soap because it survives high pH and blooming is excellent. It is useful in liquid detergents and shampoos for the same reason though it vanishes quickly in burning applications, so candles and incense are less rewarding.
Prep work is minimal: dilute to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before evaluating, keep the stock bottle in the dark and add it late in compounding to limit air exposure. Blending it with small amounts of fruity esters or soft musks can smooth the metallic edge if needed.
Safety Information
Working with Undecatriene calls for a few common-sense precautions to keep every session safe.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 10 % or weaker solution and waft the blotter toward your nose instead of sniffing the bottle.
- Ventilation: blend in a fume hood or airy space to avoid breathing concentrated vapors.
- Personal protection: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to prevent accidental skin or eye contact.
- Health considerations: some people can develop irritation or sensitisation. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a medical professional before use. Short contact at low levels is generally safe yet long or repeated high exposure can be harmful.
Always review the latest MSDS from your supplier and recheck it regularly because recommendations can change. Follow current IFRA guidelines for permitted use levels in each product category to ensure your creations remain both beautiful and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in ideal conditions Undecatriene stays fresh for about two years before the top note starts to thin out. You can squeeze a little more life out of it by refrigerating the bottle but a cool cupboard away from sunlight and heat sources usually does the job.
Light and oxygen are its main enemies. Store the neat material in amber glass with a tight polycone cap and transfer dilutions to the same style of closure. Skip dropper tops because they breathe and let volatiles escape. Each time you decant try to move the remainder into a smaller bottle so the headspace stays minimal and oxidation slows.
Avoid plastic containers for long term storage because the green molecules can migrate into the walls and weaken the aroma. If the liquid has turned yellow or has a stale paint-like edge it is past its prime.
Label every container clearly with the name Undecatriene, the dilution strength and the relevant hazard symbols so anyone in the studio can handle it safely.
For disposal, never pour leftovers down the sink. Small quantities can be soaked into an absorbent material then placed in the hazardous waste bin. Larger volumes should be given to a licensed chemical waste contractor. Undecatriene is classed as inherently biodegradable yet it is also toxic to aquatic life so the aim is to keep it out of waterways.
Summary
Undecatriene is a synthetic eleven-carbon polyene that delivers a razor sharp leafy flash reminiscent of galbanum, freshly cut grass and crushed stems. In perfumery it is the secret weapon for lifting floral bouquets, shaping crisp herbal colognes and adding a modern green snap to soaps and detergents.
It is fun to play with because a trace is enough to wake up a formula, yet pushing the dose can create daring niche statements. Costs sit mid shelf, stability is decent in most bases and its narrow scent profile means it will not muddy complex accords.
With sensible storage, safe handling and thoughtful disposal this high impact molecule remains a versatile ally for any creator looking to paint vivid green strokes across their olfactive canvas.