What Is Aldehyde C18 So-Called?
Aldehyde C18 So-Called is a single aroma chemical used by perfumers to create a creamy fruit note. It sits in the lactone family, a group of molecules known for smooth almost milky tones. The name is a bit of an industry shortcut, it is not a true aldehyde but the label stuck over time.
Symrise is the best known source, yet other suppliers offer comparable grades under different trade names. All versions are produced by synthetic means. In simple terms chemists start with a plant derived fatty acid, run it through a few heat and catalyst steps, then close the chain into a ring to form the lactone.
At room temperature it pours as a clear liquid that can pick up a light straw tint if stored for a long time. It has no added stabilizer and holds its purity well when kept sealed and cool. Most labs list a shelf life of around three years, though careful storage can stretch that.
Perfumers reach for this material often because it behaves nicely in many bases. It blends into both fine fragrance and functional items like soap or detergent without breaking apart. Cost sits in the mid range so it is seldom left out for budget reasons.
Aldehyde C18 So-Called’s Scent Description
This molecule falls in the fruity family. On a blotter the first impression is a fresh cut coconut backed by sweet peach flesh. Within a minute a creamy milk accord shows up, joined by a hint of white flower that recalls tuberose petals. There is also a soft sun warmed skin vibe that rounds it out.
Perfumers talk about top middle and base notes to explain how smells unfold. Top notes sparkle for a short time, middle notes build the heart and base notes linger the longest. Aldehyde C18 So-Called starts to appear after the top notes fade so it sits between the heart and the base. It gives body rather than quick lift.
Projection is moderate. It will not shout across a room but it is easy to notice at arm’s length. On a blotter it keeps its presence for eight hours or more before sliding into a faint dry coconut whisper.
How & Where To Use Aldehyde C18 So-Called
Perfumers pick Aldehyde C18 So-Called when they need a creamy fruit tone that feels both tropical and soft. It can play the starring role in a coconut accord or sit quietly behind peach, fig or tuberose notes to lend natural body. Because it bridges fruity and milky facets it helps link bright top notes to warmer bases, smoothing the overall arc of a fragrance.
Its recommended window sits between 0.1 percent and 10 percent of the total formula. At trace levels it whispers sweet skin and rounds out lactonic peers like gamma undecalactone. Around 1 percent it turns into ripe peach yogurt. Push it toward 5 percent and the scent becomes unmistakably coconut with a suntan lotion vibe. Above that it can smother delicate florals and leave a waxy aftertaste so restraint is vital.
The material shines in summer colognes, gourmand perfumes and any brief built around palm milk or beach sand. In functional products it survives high pH soap bases without splitting and adds a pleasant clean skin effect to detergents and fabric softeners. It also holds up well in candle wax thanks to its high flash point but heavy dosing can dull the flame-heated throw.
It is less successful in very dry woody compositions where its sweetness can feel out of place. Pair it instead with sandalwood, tonka or vanilla to create a creamy bridge that makes sense. Citrus top notes benefit from a small drop as the lactone cushions sharp edges, yet too much can mute the sparkle.
Prep work is simple. Dilute to 10 percent in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before weighing for fine fragrance trials. For water based cleaners switch to a non ionic solubilizer first. The neat liquid can thicken in cool rooms so warming the bottle to 25 °C ensures accurate pipetting.
Safety Information
Always dilute Aldehyde C18 So-Called before smelling it and avoid direct sniffing from the bottle. Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent inhaling concentrated vapors and wear gloves plus safety glasses to protect skin and eyes.
Like many aroma chemicals it can cause irritation or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially at high concentrations or after repeated contact. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult your doctor before handling any perfumery material.
Brief exposure to low levels is generally considered safe but prolonged contact or inhalation of large amounts may pose health risks. Wash hands after use, keep the workbench clean and cap the bottle promptly to limit evaporation.
For spills absorb with an inert material, seal it in a container and dispose of it following local chemical waste rules. Never pour leftovers down the drain unless regulations specifically allow it.
Always consult the most recent Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check it periodically for updates. Follow all applicable IFRA guidelines when setting usage levels in finished products.
How To Store & Dispose of Aldehyde C18 So-Called
Keep the neat material in a tightly closed amber glass bottle stored in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A cupboard that holds a steady temperature of around 20 °C works well for most users. Refrigeration is not required yet it can stretch shelf life if you have space and can prevent repeated warming and cooling cycles.
Air is the main enemy of lactones so try to keep bottles as full as possible. Decant larger purchases into several smaller containers once opened and top them up with an inert gas spray if available. Fit every bottle with a polycone cap because this style makes a tighter seal than standard droppers or pipette caps.
Dilutions deserve the same care. Use clean glassware, label the strength and date then store in the same cool spot. Avoid plastic droppers for long term holding since the liquid can leach softeners from some plastics and change the scent profile.
Always place a clear label on each container that lists the material name, the dilution level and basic hazard phrases such as “irritant” or “may cause skin sensitivity.” This keeps anyone in the workspace informed at a glance.
For disposal small household scale amounts can be soaked into cat litter or paper towels, sealed in a bag and sent to a local hazardous waste center. The molecule is readily biodegradable yet large volumes should never be poured down the drain because local rules often forbid dumping organic solvents. Commercial labs should add waste to the usual flammable organics drum and follow their licensed contractor’s guidance.
Summary
Aldehyde C18 So-Called is a lactone produced by Symrise that gives a creamy fruit accent leaning toward coconut peach and soft white flowers. Sitting between the heart and base of a perfume it smooths the shift from bright top notes to warmer woods and musks.
Perfumers value it for versatility good stability in most bases and a price that fits mid tier budgets. It shines in beachy colognes gourmand blends soaps detergents and even candles thanks to a high flash point. The scent is specific so heavy use can crowd out delicate florals and may feel too sweet in dry woody themes.
The material is easy to handle, keeps well in a cool place and is biodegradable which eases disposal planning. You can buy it in kilogram drums direct from Symrise or pick up smaller hobby sizes from specialist suppliers and online resellers that stock generic grades of comparable purity.