What Is Aldehyde Intreleven?
Aldehyde Intreleven is a modern aroma chemical belonging to the large family of long-chain aliphatic aldehydes. First brought to market in 1965, it was developed to give perfumers a reliably crisp accent without relying on naturally sourced materials that can fluctuate in quality. The molecule is produced by oxidising a specific C11 fatty alcohol under carefully controlled conditions, followed by purification to ensure a high level of target aldehydes, particularly 10-undecenal.
The finished material appears as a clear, mobile liquid that ranges from colourless to a very light yellow. At room temperature it stays fluid, making it easy to measure and blend in a fragrance lab. Because the process uses petrochemical feedstocks rather than botanical extraction, Aldehyde Intreleven is classed as a synthetic ingredient.
Thanks to its clean profile and the efficiency of large-scale production, the ingredient is widely used across fine fragrance and many fragranced consumer goods. It is generally considered affordable, which allows both prestige and mass-market brands to incorporate it without putting pressure on their cost of goods. Availability from multiple suppliers further supports its popularity among perfumers who need consistency from batch to batch.
What Does Aldehyde Intreleven Smell Like?
Perfumers group this material under the aldehydic family, the same broad category that includes the sparkling notes made famous in classic floral-aldehydic blends.
On a blotter Aldehyde Intreleven opens with a bright, fizzy citrus flash reminiscent of freshly zested lemon mixed with a touch of clean ozone. Within minutes a gentle floral nuance, somewhere between narcissus and orange blossom, begins to surface without ever feeling heavy or sweet. The overall impression is airy, soapy and slightly metallic, bringing a sense of modern cleanliness.
Aldehydes usually live in the top of a fragrance pyramid, yet the longer carbon chain of this molecule allows it to bridge into the heart. You will notice a quick burst in the first few minutes followed by a softer but still detectable presence for several hours. Projection is moderate: enough to give lift and sparkle to a blend without overwhelming other notes. Longevity on blotter typically extends to around six hours, after which a faint citrus-clean whisper can still be traced close to the surface.
How & Where To Use Aldehyde Intreleven
Most perfumers agree that Aldehyde Intreleven is a pretty easygoing material. It stays liquid, does not stain glassware and blends quickly into alcohol or standard perfume bases, which cuts down on fuss in the lab.
Formulation wise you will reach for it when you want a bright sparkling lift without the sharp bite of shorter chain aldehydes like C9 or C10. It slots neatly into floral aldehydic accords, citrus colognes, soap bases and even modern aquatic themes thanks to its light ozone edge. Small traces can freshen a white floral heart, while higher levels tilt a composition toward a classic soapy feel.
Recommended usage normally falls between traces and 5 percent of the concentrate. At 0.1 percent you get a gentle clean shimmer that most wearers register only as extra “air” around the other notes. Push it to 1 percent and the material becomes more obvious, offering lemon peel sparkle and a crisp linen vibe. Above 3 percent it can dominate, giving a pronounced metallic buzz that works in functional products like detergent or fabric softener but may feel too assertive in fine fragrance unless balanced with creamy musks or florals.
Aldehyde Intreleven handles heat and basic surfactant systems well, so it performs in hot pour candles, shampoos and liquid soaps without falling apart. The downside is its poor water solubility, meaning clear aqueous mists or reed diffusers need a solubiliser to prevent clouding. It also struggles in very sweet gourmand blends where its metallic sheen can clash with heavy vanillas.
Prep work is simple: premix the aldehyde into ethanol or dipropylene glycol at around 10 percent before weighing into your formula. This lowers vapor shock when you smell the mod and helps it disperse evenly. No antioxidants are normally required because the material is already quite stable.
Safely Information
Working with Aldehyde Intreleven calls for the same common sense precautions used for any concentrated aroma chemical.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 1 percent solution in alcohol or a blotter strip to avoid overwhelming your nose and respiratory system.
- Do not sniff straight from the bottle: headspace above the liquid can be much stronger than you expect and can cause irritation.
- Ventilation: blend and evaluate in a well ventilated area or under a fume hood so vapors do not build up.
- Personal protective gear: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to prevent skin or eye contact with the neat material.
- Health considerations: some people may experience skin sensitivity or allergic reactions on contact. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a medical professional before handling. Short exposure to low levels is generally considered safe but prolonged or high level exposure can be harmful.
For complete peace of mind consult the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied by your distributor, keep an eye out for any updates and follow current IFRA guidelines regarding maximum safe usage levels in finished products.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in the right conditions Aldehyde Intreleven stays in good shape for roughly two years after the date of purchase. Many labs find that an unopened drum stored at a steady 20 °C still smells fresh even after thirty months. If you can spare the fridge space chilling the bottle around 4 °C slows oxidation and may stretch shelf life past three years.
Day to day storage is straightforward. Park the bottle in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or direct sunlight. Sudden spikes above 35 °C can darken the liquid and dull its sparkling top so avoid shelving it near radiators or sunny windows. Always recap immediately after use. Polycone caps form a tight seal that traps the volatile aldehyde molecules far better than glass droppers which tend to weep and invite air back in. Topping up part-filled bottles with inert gas or transferring leftovers into smaller containers also reduces headspace and keeps oxygen at bay.
For dilutions stick with amber glass or high-grade aluminium. Plastic can work in a pinch yet some grades slowly leach and let the scent creep into the lab. Label every vial or jug clearly with the material name batch number and the words “Flammable liquid, handle with gloves and eye protection”. That quick note prevents mix-ups and reminds colleagues about basic safety.
Disposal is simple but must be done responsibly. Tiny residues on pipettes or blotters can evaporate in a fume hood. Larger liquid quantities should be collected in a sealed container and handed to a licensed chemical waste contractor. Aldehyde Intreleven is not readily biodegradable so never pour it down the sink or onto soil. Rinse empty bottles with a splash of alcohol, let them dry then recycle the glass according to local rules.
Summary
Aldehyde Intreleven is a clean long-chain aldehyde that delivers a fizzy citrus floral sparkle with a hint of ozone. It slides easily into countless accords from classic floral aldehydic styles to modern laundry-fresh blends and even bright aquatic colognes. Cost is reasonable, stability is solid and it remains liquid and easy to dose which is why it shows up in fine fragrance shampoos candles and detergents all over the world.
Give it a try when you want extra lift and airy space without the harsh edge of shorter aldehydes. Just watch its metallic buzz at high levels, keep the bottle full and sealed and you will have a fun versatile tool that earns its shelf space in nearly any creative palette.