What Is Citrathal Conc S?
Citrathal Conc S is a synthetic aroma chemical created for fragrance applications. It was originally developed by the Swiss fragrance house Givaudan, yet once the patent window closed a number of other suppliers began offering comparable versions under slightly different names. Regardless of the source, the material itself remains the same lemon-lime powerhouse prized by perfumers worldwide.
The ingredient is produced through classic organic synthesis that links together smaller building blocks derived from petrochemical or partly renewable feedstocks. The result is a pale to mid-yellow liquid with a fluid, oil-like consistency at room temperature. It arrives ready to use with no need for dilution unless the formula demands it.
Citrathal Conc S sees frequent use in fine fragrance, personal care and household products thanks to its unusually good stability for a citrus material. Unlike many natural citrus oils that oxidise quickly, this molecule keeps its brightness for months after the bottle is opened. Unopened and stored correctly it will typically remain in specification for around two years before a quality check is advised.
From a cost standpoint it sits in the lower-to-middle price bracket for speciality aroma chemicals. It is noticeably more economical than working with large volumes of natural citrus oils yet delivers a cleaner and more consistent profile. This balance of performance and price helps explain why it turns up in everything from prestige eau de parfum to everyday shower gel.
Citrathal Conc S’s Scent Description
Citrathal Conc S belongs firmly in the citrus olfactory family. On a freshly dipped blotter it opens with an effervescent burst of lemon zest blended with the tang of squeezed lime. Seconds later a subtle, sweet candied note peeks through, smoothing the edges so the accord feels clean rather than sharp. Some perfumers also detect a faint green nuance reminiscent of crushed citrus leaves that prevents the material from smelling like lemonade.
Perfumers classify notes into top, middle and base according to how fast they evaporate. Top notes are the first impressions that lift off within minutes, middle notes create the heart of the scent that lingers for a few hours, and base notes are the slower molecules that give a fragrance its lasting power. Citrathal Conc S is very much a top note ingredient. It flashes off quicker than floral or woody elements yet stays longer than natural citrus oils, offering useful sparkle for roughly two to three hours before receding into the background.
Projection is bright and airy, making the material ideal for compositions that need an immediate citrus lift. On skin or fabric it radiates boldly during the first half hour then softens to a halo. Overall longevity is moderate with traces detectable for up to a day on a paper blotter, shorter on skin unless supported by fixatives. These qualities make Citrathal Conc S a reliable choice when a perfumer wants crisp lemon-lime brilliance that does not vanish the instant it meets air.
How & Where To Use Citrathal Conc S
Perfumers pick Citrathal Conc S whenever they need a vivid lemon-lime lift that stays cleaner and longer than squeezed citrus oils. It excels as the primary sparkle in classic cologne accords, sporty masculines, summer florals and household fragrance bases where a bright top note must survive the rigours of processing and storage. Because it keeps its colour and odour in alkaline media it is a favourite for soaps, shampoos and detergent blends where natural citruses would oxidise or brown.
At trace levels below 0.1% it quietly freshens florals, aldehydic bouquets or marine themes without announcing itself as citrus. Between 0.5% and 3% the material becomes recognisably lemony adding a “clean sheet” impression that pairs well with green, lavender or herbal notes. The manufacturer allows use up to 15% in finished fragrance but most fine fragrance formulas sit near 5% since higher doses can push the accord into candy territory and make the opening feel harsh.
Citrathal Conc S can replace part of citral or cold-pressed lemon oil when light-fastness is needed. It also meshes smoothly with dihydromyrcenol, hexyl acetate and verdant lactones to build a convincing lime soda accord. Perfumers reach for it over natural oils when price, stability or regulatory limits on allergen content matter.
Over-use brings risks. Above roughly 6% the note can dominate and read synthetic or detergent-like. In soap bases very high levels may bloom so strongly that heart notes are masked while in fine fragrance the volatility can create an aggressive first blast that some wearers find jarring. Moderation and careful layering with softer citrus extenders such as lemon terpenes or sweet orange fractions keep the profile balanced.
No special pre-treatment is needed; the liquid pours easily and dissolves in ethanol, dipropylene glycol or most perfume oils. For precision dosing pre-dilute to 10% in alcohol so that a drop corresponds to roughly 0.03 g then weigh or count drops into the concentrate. If working in soap, remember that high pH can exaggerate its brightness so run a quick test batch before scaling up.
Safely Using Citrathal Conc S
Good lab habits are essential with any fragrance raw material. Always dilute Citrathal Conc S before evaluation to avoid overwhelming the nose and prevent mucous membrane irritation. Never sniff directly from the bottle; instead fan a blotter dipped in a low-strength solution. Work under good ventilation so vapours disperse quickly rather than building up around the workstation. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses since citrus-type aldehydes can sting if splashed on skin or in eyes.
Some individuals experience redness, itching or sensitisation after repeated contact so limit skin exposure by using tools rather than fingers when dipping blotters. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a healthcare professional before prolonged handling because data on fetal exposure to aroma chemicals is limited. Short sniffs of a well-diluted sample are generally considered low risk but breathing concentrated vapours or allowing the liquid to contact skin for extended periods increases the chance of adverse effects.
If a spill occurs wipe it up with an absorbent cloth then wash the area with soapy water. Dispose of soaked materials in a sealed container because the ingredient is classed as harmful to aquatic life. Avoid rinsing large quantities down the drain.
Always consult the latest Material Safety Data Sheet from your supplier as hazard classifications and exposure limits can change. Keep your formula within the maximum levels set by the International Fragrance Association to ensure the finished product remains safe for consumers.
How To Store & Dispose of Citrathal Conc S
Keep unopened bottles in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or direct sun. Refrigeration at 5-10 °C is not mandatory but will slow oxidation and colour change, especially if you expect the material to sit for more than a year.
Air is the main enemy of citrus aldehydes. Use the smallest practical bottle, top it up after each decant and close it tightly with a polycone cap. Avoid glass droppers, as the rubber bulb breathes and lets oxygen sneak back in between uses.
For working dilutions choose amber glass or high-density polyethylene, wipe any residue from the threads then store inside a secondary container to catch drips. Label everything clearly with the name, CAS number, date opened, recommended PPE and the pictograms from the safety data sheet.
Should you decide a batch is past its prime do not pour it down the drain. Citrathal Conc S is classed as non-biodegradable and harmful to aquatic life so treat it as hazardous waste. Small hobby quantities can be soaked into kitty litter or sand, sealed in a bag then disposed of with chemical waste according to local regulations. Larger volumes should go to a licensed disposal facility or be collected by your solvent recycler.
Clean pipettes and glassware with a little ethanol, collect the washings in a dedicated container and include them in your next disposal run. Always keep records of what left your lab and when so you can prove proper handling if questioned.
Summary
Citrathal Conc S is a Givaudan-designed lemon-lime aroma chemical that delivers a sparkling clean top note with more stability than natural citrus oils. It acts as a quick brightener in colognes, soaps, shampoos and household products yet remains gentle enough to sit alongside florals, greens or woods without turning harsh.
Formulators like the material because it keeps its colour in high-pH bases, lasts a little longer than true citrus and costs less than many natural alternatives. The trade-off is a narrow olfactive role and moderate tenacity so it works best when layered with softer extenders rather than used on its own.
In the wider palette it enjoys steady popularity thanks to its balance of impact, price and regulatory simplicity. Stability is good but oxygen and light will still erode the freshness so airtight storage is worth the effort.
Commercial houses can buy Citrathal Conc S directly from Givaudan in drum sizes while indie brands and hobbyists will find smaller packs from specialty resellers or generic equivalents sold under the CAS number 147060-73-9. Whichever route you choose, follow the handling tips above and you will have a reliable citrus spark ready for your next creation.