What Is Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate?
Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate is an ester first introduced to perfumery circles in the mid 1950s when chemists realised its talent for delivering lifelike fruit nuances. It does not occur in nature so every drop on the market is produced through modern synthesis.
The usual manufacturing route starts with cyclohexanol that is converted into allyl cyclohexanol then reacted with propionic acid to form the finished ester. This streamlined process keeps the material relatively affordable which explains its steady presence on fragrance compounders’ price lists.
At room temperature the ingredient appears as a clear colorless liquid that pours easily and resists crystallising. It tests at more than 98 percent purity before shipping and does not require added stabilisers, giving perfumers a reliable raw material with little batch-to-batch variation.
Thanks to good biodegradability and a flash point above 100 °C it travels safely and can be incorporated into fine fragrances as well as everyday scented products. Its versatility and cost profile mean you will find it in everything from prestige eau de parfums to household cleaners, making Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate one of the quiet workhorses of the fruity toolkit.
What Does Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate Smell Like?
Perfumers file this molecule under the fruity family. Off a freshly prepared blotter it opens with a bright cooked-apple note that quickly turns juicier, echoing ripe pineapple rings drained from their syrup. A gentle aromatic breeze weaves through the fruit, adding a leafy nuance that keeps the whole impression crisp rather than sugary.
On the traditional scent pyramid the material starts acting within the top minutes yet lingers well into the heart. It bridges the sparkle of the opening accords with middle notes, providing body and texture so the fruit theme feels three-dimensional instead of fleeting.
Projection sits at a comfortable medium level which means it supports rather than shouts. Expect about a full day of detectability on a blotter, translating to several hours on skin when dosage stays within typical formulation ranges.
How & Where To Use Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate
This is a friendly material to handle. It pours cleanly, mixes fast and gives an instant fruit lift that feels effortless. Many perfumers reach for it when they need a ripe apple or pineapple accent that stays cheerful rather than syrupy.
In a composition it behaves like a bridge between sparkling top notes and juicy heart notes. A few drops can brighten citrus openings, round out pear accords or give tropical blends that sun-kissed push. It also brings welcome texture to floral bouquets, where it slips behind jasmine or lily to suggest dew-covered petals without shouting “fruit.”
Typical dosage sits anywhere from trace amounts to about 5 % of the concentrate. Manufacturers list a recommended ceiling of around 10 % but most formulas get good results well below that. At very low levels it reads as a crisp green-apple shimmer. Raise the dose and the pineapple facet grows, adding thickness that can edge toward bubble-gum sweetness if you go too high. Beyond the 5 % mark it tends to dominate lighter partners so balance with grassy, woody or musky notes to keep the shape.
The ingredient loves aqueous platforms such as shampoos, shower gels and fabric softeners where its brightness survives the surfactants. It is equally at home in fine fragrance though you may notice a shorter life on skin compared with heavier fruity esters. In soap it keeps its character through the cure while in candles it throws a clear fruit top during the first hours of burn.
No special prep work is needed beyond the usual dilution. A 10 % solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol gives a handy working strength for blotter testing. The molecule is stable so you will not need an antioxidant or UV filter in standard conditions.
Safely Information
When working with any aroma chemical a few simple precautions keep the studio safe and the nose fresh.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 1 % to 10 % solution so the odor can be judged without overwhelming the senses.
- Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle: waft the scent from a blotter or scent strip instead to prevent nasal fatigue.
- Work in a well-ventilated area: good airflow helps limit the buildup of vapors especially during large batch weighing.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: the liquid can irritate skin or eyes on contact so basic protective gear is wise.
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions. If pregnant or breastfeeding consult a doctor before exposure. Short low-level contact is usually safe but high doses or long sessions can be harmful.
For complete peace of mind always consult the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and review it regularly as updates can occur. Follow any applicable International Fragrance Association guidelines on maximum use levels to ensure your finished product is both delightful and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in good conditions Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate stays in spec for roughly two to three years. Much longer is possible but you will notice a slow loss in brightness once the bottle has been opened several times.
Refrigeration is helpful yet not essential. A shelf in a cool dark cupboard, far from direct sunlight and hot radiators, is normally fine. Aim for a steady temperature below 20 °C if you can.
Use bottles with tight-sealing polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. Droppers let air creep inside and leave traces of liquid around the neck that oxidise quickly. Keep each bottle as full as practical to cut down the air gap and give the ester fewer chances to age.
Store any working solutions in amber glass or stainless steel. Plastic grades such as PET and HDPE are acceptable for short-term use but can lose aroma over months. Label every container clearly with the ingredient name, date of dilution and the main safety phrases so no one has to guess what is inside.
Disposal is uncomplicated thanks to the molecule’s ready biodegradability. Small leftover amounts can be diluted heavily with water then flushed down a sanitary drain if local rules allow. Larger volumes or expired stock should go to a licensed chemical waste handler. Never pour concentrated material onto soil or into open waterways.
Summary
Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate is a lab-made fruity ester treasured for its realistic apple and pineapple vibe with a light leafy twist. It slips neatly into citrus, floral or tropical accords adding juicy texture without sticky sweetness and it plays well in fine fragrance, shampoo, soap and candles.
The ingredient is friendly on cost, stable under normal handling and biodegradable which keeps both formulators and regulators happy. Just give it a cool dark home, cap it tightly and remember that at high dosages it can headline the show faster than expected.
If you are after a quick way to make a blend feel ripe and inviting this is a fun material to reach for. Explore it at trace, push it toward five percent, pair it with woods, musks or greens and see how effortlessly it lifts a formula.