What Is Alicate?
Alicate is a synthetic aroma material created by Givaudan, yet once the patent expired several suppliers began offering their own versions that meet the same purity standards. It belongs to the family of small fruity esters and is usually produced through a straightforward acid-catalysed esterification in large stainless-steel reactors, then purified by vacuum distillation to reach fragrance grade.
At room temperature the substance is a perfectly clear liquid with a light viscosity similar to ethanol. Because it is colourless, it blends seamlessly into finished bases without tinting soaps or lotions. When stored in a cool dark place and kept tightly capped it keeps its full olfactory profile for roughly three years, though most perfumers try to use it within two for optimal freshness.
The material is widely used across personal care, household cleaners and fine fragrance because it gives an immediate fresh lift. Volumes moved through the market are moderate compared with citral or linalool, but it is far from niche. Pricing sits in the lower middle of the spectrum so it is affordable enough for mass-market detergents while still finding its way into premium compositions.
Alicate’s Scent Description
Perfumers file Alicate under the fruity family. On a blotter the first impression is a crunchy rhubarb accord that feels slightly tart yet juicy, followed by a gentle banana skin nuance that softens the edges. An airy herbal twist drifts in quickly, giving the note a garden-fresh vibe, while a faint hint of lilac lingers underneath adding a subtle floral polish.
The ingredient sits at the border between top and heart notes. It bursts out in the opening like a classic top note, but its molecular weight lets it hang on long enough to colour the early heart before fading. Expect the main impact to last one to two hours on strip, with a quieter ghost that can still be detected for several more hours if you press your nose close.
Projection is bright and sparkling, making it ideal for giving lift to otherwise heavy blends. Longevity on skin is medium; it will not compete with base notes for all-day presence, yet it hangs around longer than many citrus ingredients so the freshness does not collapse too quickly.
How & Where To Use Alicate
Perfumers reach for Alicate whenever they want to inject an instant burst of crisp fruit that still feels slightly green and floral. It often forms the leading edge of a rhubarb or mixed-berry accord, brightening the opening before handing the baton to heart notes like rose or peony. In citrus types it knits grapefruit and orange together while adding a soft banana touch that rounds out tart facets. Within herbal themes it slots neatly alongside basil or mint, stopping the blend from smelling too medicinal.
Alicate tolerates both acidic and alkaline bases so it travels from fine fragrance into soaps, shampoos, detergents and even candles. It shines in rinse-off products where many fruity esters vanish on contact with water, yet it can struggle in very hot wax where some of its freshness is lost. In room sprays its volatility gives quick perception but may need backing from longer-lasting fruits to keep the space scented.
Typical usage sits anywhere between traces and 2 % in fine fragrance, creeping up to 5 % in functional goods. The manufacturer lists a ceiling of 15 % for some cleaners however most formulators never go that high because the note can dominate and turn the blend into a candy-like banana if overdosed. At 0.1 % you get a subtle sparkling lift; at 1 % the rhubarb facet becomes obvious; beyond 3 % the material pushes forward with a chewy sweetness that can mask delicate florals.
Over-use risks include an artificial banana character, diminished clarity in citrus accords and potential clashing with heavy musks. Always build gradually, smelling the mix after each addition rather than dumping in a full dose at once.
For prep work weigh Alicate accurately, then pre-dilute to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol to allow finer adjustments and safer evaluation. Blend at room temperature and keep heat below 50 °C to preserve the top-note sparkle. If working in high pH detergents run a small stability test because impurities in the base can affect odor over time.
Safely Using Alicate
Dilution is key so create a working solution before you smell or blend. Avoid direct sniffing straight from the bottle since concentrated vapors can irritate nasal passages. Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to keep airborne levels low. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses so any accidental splashes do not reach skin or eyes.
Like many esters Alicate can cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. An allergic response, though uncommon, is still possible. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should talk with a healthcare professional before regular handling. Short whiffs of a diluted sample are generally safe yet prolonged exposure or high concentrations can lead to headaches or dizziness.
Store the ingredient in a tightly closed amber bottle away from heat and direct sunlight to slow oxidation. Label all dilutions clearly with date and concentration so you know exactly what is in each vial. Clean tools and surfaces with warm soapy water followed by alcohol to remove residue and prevent cross contamination.
Always consult the latest safety data sheet supplied by your distributor and check it periodically because regulations and toxicology updates can change. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category to ensure your finished formula remains safe for consumers.
How To Store & Dispose of Alicate
Keep Alicate in a cool dark cupboard or fragrance fridge where the temperature stays steady. Refrigeration is not mandatory yet it can stretch the shelf life by slowing oxidation. Whatever location you pick, be sure the bottle sits away from direct sunlight heaters or hot machinery because heat speeds up degradation.
Glass bottles with airtight polycone caps are the best choice for both neat material and dilutions. Avoid dropper tops since they let air sneak in and can leak during transport. Try to use bottle sizes that leave little headspace so the liquid touches the cap: less trapped oxygen means less chance of off notes forming.
Top up partial bottles by combining same-lot leftovers or back-filling with inert gas if you have it. Wipe any residue from the threads before closing to preserve a tight seal. Keep working solutions at 10 % or below and store them in amber glass to block light. Mark every container clearly with the name Alicate its concentration date and any hazard pictograms required by your region.
Spills are usually easy to manage. Soak them up with paper towels or inert absorbent then wash the area with warm soapy water followed by alcohol. Ventilate until no odor remains.
For disposal never pour Alicate straight into drains or outdoor soil. Small hobby amounts can be mixed with cat litter or sand sealed in a plastic bag then placed with household hazardous waste as allowed locally. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical recycler or incinerator that handles organic solvents. Alicate is slowly biodegradable but letting it enter waterways still adds unnecessary load on treatment plants.
Rinse empty bottles with dish soap and hot water, let them dry and recycle the glass if your municipal rules accept it. Caps that held neat material usually go in hazardous waste.
Summary
Alicate is a Givaudan-made fruity aroma chemical that smells like crisp rhubarb touched by banana with a green herbal twist and a soft lilac echo. It acts as a bright top note that holds on longer than many fruit esters making it handy in fine fragrance soaps shampoos and detergents.
The material is popular because it stays stable across a wide pH range costs only mid tier money and fits easily with citrus fruity and herbal themes. Perfumers value its fresh lift yet need to watch dosage or the banana side can dominate. It also loses some sparkle if overheated so gentle processing is advised.
Alicate is available in bulk drum sizes direct from Givaudan or authorized distributors. Smaller bottles for indie creators can be sourced from specialty fragrance suppliers and generic manufacturers that list the same CAS number. Whether you buy a kilogram or a 10 ml sample the same rules apply: store it cool keep the bottle full label it well and enjoy its lively snap in your next blend.