What Is Acetal CD?
Acetal CD is an aroma chemical created in 1973 during research aimed at giving perfumers a crisp yet soft floral building block. It is produced through a straightforward synthetic process where carefully chosen aldehydes react with diols in the presence of standard solvents. Because it is lab made, natural supply issues do not affect it, yet up to half of its carbon atoms can be sourced from plant feedstocks which keeps its renewable profile respectable.
At room temperature the material is a clear mobile liquid that shows no visible color. With a molecular weight of 194.2 and very low vapor pressure it behaves predictably in the compounding room making weighing and handling easy for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Acetal CD is widely used across fine fragrance, soaps, detergents and air care thanks to its adaptability and good stability over a broad pH range. It is considered a mid-priced ingredient, affordable enough for large scale functional products yet valued enough to appear in prestige perfumes. Its popularity also stems from the fact that regulators have not listed it as hazardous which simplifies compliance paperwork.
Perfumers appreciate that the molecule ships with a single CAS number (29895-73-6) and FEMA listing 2877 so documentation is straightforward. In short Acetal CD offers a reliable combination of economy, versatility and sustainability that keeps it in steady demand.
What Does Acetal CD Smell Like?
Perfumers file Acetal CD firmly under the floral family. Off a blotter it first gives a fresh leafy impression that feels almost like snapped stems in a spring garden. Within a few minutes a soft rose facet unfolds, tasting slightly of nectar rather than petals, while a gentle honey tone rounds out the edges. As the minutes pass the green aspect calms and what remains is a light linden blossom nuance that blends into the surrounding notes without ever feeling heavy.
In fragrance construction we talk about top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the bright molecules that introduce a perfume then disappear quickly. Middle notes are the heart that shape the main character while bases are the slow heavy materials that can last a full day. Acetal CD sits in the middle zone. It appears soon after the top notes flash off and stays present long enough to bridge into the base.
Projection is moderate which means the scent radiates a polite arm’s length, supporting other materials rather than dominating them. On a blotter it remains noticeable for about two days before fading which translates to several hours on skin or fabric in a finished fragrance. This balance of presence and restraint is why formulators reach for Acetal CD when they need a fresh natural floral accent that does not shout.
How & Where To Use Acetal CD
If you like ingredients that behave themselves in the beaker, Acetal CD is a pleasure. It pours easily, does not cling to glassware and its mild odour strength makes overdosing less likely than with some punchier florals.
Perfumers reach for Acetal CD when they want to lend a realistic garden freshness to the heart of a scent. It excels as a supporting note in hyacinth, muguet or linden blossom accords where a hint of honey softens the green edges. In a classic rose bouquet it brightens the petals, prevents the blend from feeling powdery and gives a leafy snap that keeps the composition lively.
The molecule also works well in green chypres, pairing seamlessly with galbanum or oakmoss to lift the opening before those heavier materials settle. At low levels below 0.5 % it merely freshens and polishes an existing floral accord. Between 1 % and 3 % its rosy honey facet becomes noticeable, expanding the heart and adding a friendly sweetness. Push it toward 5 % or higher and the green aspect dominates, which can be useful in air care where you want a crisp, clean floral that projects.
Applications are broad: fine fragrance, shampoo, liquid detergent and fabric conditioner all show its best side thanks to excellent pH stability. In bar soap or powder detergent the heat of processing and higher alkalinity shorten its life so expect a more subdued effect. Candle makers tend to skip it because its burning performance is average only.
Typical use levels run from a trace up to 5 % of the total perfume oil, though some functional products may climb to 10 % for extra bloom. No special pre dilution is required; a 10 % solution in ethanol or DPG is convenient for weighing and blending but neat handling is acceptable provided you follow normal lab safety practices.
Safety Information
Working with any aroma chemical calls for basic laboratory care and Acetal CD is no exception.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 % or weaker solution before smelling so you can judge the odour without overwhelming your senses.
- Avoid direct inhalation: never sniff straight from the bottle, instead waft the scent toward your nose from a blotter or strip.
- Ventilation: blend in a well ventilated space or under a fume hood to keep airborne concentration low.
- Personal protective equipment: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to keep the liquid off skin and out of eyes.
- Health considerations: some people may experience irritation or sensitisation; prolonged or high level exposure can be harmful. Seek medical advice before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Consult the most recent safety data sheet supplied with your batch and check it regularly for updates, and always ensure your formula stays within the current IFRA limits for safe use.
Storage And Disposal
When kept under ideal conditions a sealed bottle of Acetal CD generally stays true to its original scent profile for around two years. In practice many perfumers still find it perfectly usable after three years if oxidation is minimised.
Refrigeration is optional yet helpful. A steady 4-8 °C slows down any gradual changes to colour or odour. If fridge space is scarce a cool cupboard that avoids direct sunlight or rising heat from radiators will do the job.
Use bottles with tight polycone caps for both the neat material and any dilutions. These caps form a better seal than glass droppers which tend to let air creep in. Each time you decant try to choose a bottle size that keeps headspace small, because less trapped air means less oxidation.
Label everything clearly with the name Acetal CD, the concentration if diluted, the date poured and the key safety phrases from the SDS. A quick note like “keep away from eyes and skin” helps anyone sharing your studio stay informed.
Thanks to its ready biodegradability Acetal CD is straightforward to dispose of in small hobby quantities. Rinse empty bottles with warm soapy water then discard or recycle the glass according to local rules. For larger volumes encase the liquid in an absorbent medium such as cat litter and take it to a chemical waste facility. Never tip bulk perfume oils straight into drains or soil.
Summary
Acetal CD is a lab made floral ingredient that delivers a leafy rose honey accent without fuss. It is a colourless liquid, easy to weigh, and it plays nicely in hyacinth, linden blossom and green chypre accords as well as classic rose hearts.
Mid strength diffusion, good pH stability and a modest price tag explain why it pops up in everything from fine fragrance to detergents. Its touch of renewable carbon and solid biodegradability keep sustainability boxes ticked, while the single CAS and FEMA listings make regulatory life simple.
For the creative nose it is a fun tool, able to freshen a bouquet at trace or push a crisp green edge at higher levels. Keep an eye on oxidation, remember its average tenacity in soaps and candles, and enjoy one of the workhorses of modern perfumery.