What Is Cis-6-Nonenal?
Cis-6-Nonenal is an aroma molecule first isolated and reported by researchers in 1966 while studying the fresh character of cucumbers and melons. Today it is produced almost entirely through synthetic processes that allow manufacturers to control the ratio between its cis and trans forms, with the cis isomer prized for its superior performance in fragrance work.
Commercial production starts with petrochemical or plant-derived feedstocks that are converted into nonenal, then carefully isomerised and purified by fractional distillation. Modern methods routinely deliver material that is more than ninety five percent pure, which keeps batch-to-batch quality reliable for perfumers and flavour chemists alike.
At room temperature the ingredient is a clear, colourless liquid that pours easily and has a relatively low density compared to water. It is not soluble in water, so formulators typically blend it into oils, alcohol or solvents before adding it to finished products.
Because it can be made in large volumes and does not rely on crop harvests, Cis-6-Nonenal is widely available and generally considered an affordable building block. You will find it in everything from fine fragrance to household cleaners, although its high impact means only a tiny dose is usually required.
What Does Cis-6-Nonenal Smell Like?
Most perfumers slot this material into the green family, the same broad group that covers freshly cut leaves, snapped stems and grassy nuances.
Off a blotter it opens with a vivid splash of cool cucumber water, quickly joined by the sweet yet airy note of honeydew melon rind. There is a crisp, garden-fresh edge that mimics slicing into a chilled piece of produce, plus a slight ozonic quality that keeps the whole impression light and breezy.
The note sits firmly in the top of a perfume pyramid. It flashes out early, delivering an instant sense of freshness that invites the wearer in, then gently fades to let mid and base notes take over. Projection is strong at first thanks to the molecule’s volatility, so even a trace amount can carry across a room. Longevity, however, is measured in minutes rather than hours, which is why perfumers often anchor it with supporting materials or encapsulate it for extended release.
How & Where To Use Cis-6-Nonenal
This is a fun little molecule to play with. It behaves predictably, does not gum up equipment and gives an instant wow factor the moment it hits a blend. In short it is a nice material to work with, provided you respect its punch.
Perfumers reach for Cis-6-Nonenal whenever they want to paint a crisp cucumber splash, a fresh cut melon effect or a general outdoor green sparkle. It excels in top notes, brightening citrus openings or modern aquatic accords. A few drops can also lift floral hearts that risk feeling heavy, adding a cool breeze that keeps petals feeling dewy.
Its power is the main reason to choose it over broader green materials like cis-3-Hexenol or violet leaf absolute. Where those can drift into leafy or fatty facets, Cis-6-Nonenal stays resolutely watery and melon-like, making it the go-to for compositions that must read cucumber at first sniff. It slots neatly into spa-style mists, summertime colognes and household products that promise a “fresh linen” or “morning dew” vibe.
Typical usage sits in the traces-0.5 % range for fine fragrance, climbing to around 1 % in soaps or detergents where some of the impact burns off during processing. Functional products that release scent only briefly, such as fabric softeners or surface sprays, may tolerate up to 5 % if budgets allow, though the odour can skew harsh at that level.
Concentration drives character. At very low levels the note reads as general watery freshness. Push it a bit higher and the melon comes to the front. Go higher still and an almost metallic edge can appear, so small scale trials are essential before committing to a full batch.
No special prep work is needed beyond a good dilution. A 1 % solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol gives an easy starting point for blotter evaluation. Because the ingredient is water insoluble it should be premixed into the oil phase when formulating emulsions.
Safety Information
Working with aroma chemicals calls for a few sensible precautions to keep you and those around you safe.
- Always dilute before smelling: High strength material can overload your nose and give false impressions
- Avoid sniffing straight from the bottle: Use a blotter or strip to assess odour
- Ensure good ventilation: Fresh air prevents inhalation of concentrated vapours
- Wear protective gear: Gloves and safety glasses stop accidental skin or eye contact
- Mind potential health effects: Some people experience irritation or allergic reactions. Seek medical advice before use if pregnant or breastfeeding and remember that prolonged or high-level exposure can be harmful
Always consult the most recent safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and revisit it regularly as revisions are common. Follow IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product type to keep both makers and end users safe.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in ideal conditions a sealed bottle of Cis-6-Nonenal stays in spec for roughly two to three years. Opened stock lasts around eighteen months before the odour starts to dull, so date each bottle the moment you break the seal.
Refrigeration is helpful but not vital. A cool cupboard that stays below 20 °C, shielded from sunlight and heater vents, will do the job. Heat and light speed up oxidation which steals both strength and freshness.
Use bottles with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. The flexible liner hugs the neck of the glass and cuts vapor loss far better than standard dropper tops, which often weep and let air creep in overnight.
Try to keep containers topped up. A small headspace means less oxygen, less evaporation and fewer off notes later. If the bottle is only half full decant into a smaller one rather than leave it sitting on a cushion of air.
Write a clear label for every vessel that shows the name, concentration, date and any hazard pictograms. This protects anyone who may handle or dispose of it down the line.
Cis-6-Nonenal is readily biodegradable in typical wastewater systems yet it should still be treated with respect. For household scale disposal mix residues into an absorbent material like cat litter, seal in a bag then place in general waste according to local rules. Larger volumes belong at a chemical collection point. Never pour the neat liquid into sinks or onto soil where it can harm aquatic life before it breaks down.
Summary
Cis-6-Nonenal is a synthetic aroma chemical loved for its crisp cucumber and melon burst that lights up the top of a fragrance. It is easy on the wallet, fairly stable and a lot of fun to blend, bringing instant spa like freshness to citrus, aquatic or light floral accords.
A tiny dose is usually plenty which makes it popular in both fine fragrance and functional products, though its sharp profile means it can feel metallic if pushed too high. Store it cool, cap it tight and you will have a reliable green accent ready whenever a blend needs that first slice of chilled melon magic.