What Is Citrowanil B?
Citrowanil B is a synthetic aroma molecule created to replicate and enhance bright citrus nuances that can be difficult to capture from natural sources. The material was originally developed by the German house Symrise, yet other ingredient suppliers sometimes offer identical or very similar nitrile compounds under alternate trade names.
Chemically, it sits in the nitrile family, a group known for clean crisp facets and strong stability. Production involves a controlled reaction between selected alcohols and nitrile-bearing intermediates, followed by careful purification until the finished liquid reaches a purity of roughly 98 percent. The end result is a clear fluid that looks almost like water, although prolonged storage can give it a faint straw tint.
Citrowanil B is not rare, but it is still considered a specialist ingredient reserved for formulas where long lasting citrus freshness is required. Most perfumers keep it on hand because it performs well in both fine fragrance and functional products, from shampoos to fabric softeners.
If unopened and stored correctly the molecule easily stays in specification for three to four years. Once a drum or bottle is opened it is best used within 24 months to keep the scent at peak brightness.
Pricing sits comfortably in the mid-range for synthetic citrus materials, making it affordable for large scale production while still being viewed as a step above basic commodity ingredients.
Citrowanil B’s Scent Description
This molecule is grouped in the citrus family, though it quickly reveals a few surprises once it hits a smelling strip. The first impression is a zesty lemon-lime sparkle that feels almost fizzy. Within a minute a soft fruity tone appears, something between green apple skin and juicy pear, followed by an airy hint of spearmint that lifts the whole accord and keeps it refreshing rather than sweet.
On the traditional fragrance timeline top notes introduce the perfume, middle notes form the heart and base notes linger the longest. Citrowanil B sits firmly in the top to early heart zone, giving an immediate burst of energy yet maintaining presence for a couple of hours before fading. Because it drifts into the heart, it acts as a bridge that ties citrus openings to floral or herbal cores without an abrupt transition.
Projection is moderate. It radiates clearly in the first thirty minutes, then settles closer to the skin while still contributing an airy halo to the overall blend. Longevity on a blotter is respectable for a citrus material, often detectable for six to eight hours before becoming a subtle whisper.
How & Where To Use Citrowanil B
Perfumers reach for Citrowanil B when a sparkling citrus lift is needed yet the formula also demands good staying power. It shines in top notes of fine fragrances where lemon or lime facets need to last past the first few minutes. Because it slips into the heart it also links well with orange blossom, neroli or minty herbs, smoothing transitions that might otherwise feel abrupt.
In fruity blends it freshens apple, pear or melon chords, while in floral bouquets it adds a juicy highlight that keeps petals from feeling heavy. It is a favourite choice for tutti-frutti accords in shower gels and shampoos because it stays bright even in hot water and foaming bases.
The recommended working range is 0.1 % to 5 %. Trace levels give a subtle sparkle without changing the core idea. Around 2 % the fruity part becomes noticeable and a light spearmint twist appears. Pushing to 5 % delivers a bold, almost fizzy hit that can dominate softer materials. Above this the mint nuance can turn sharp and the blend may smell synthetic rather than natural.
Citrowanil B holds up well in bleach and high-pH cleaners, making it suitable for detergents, softeners and all-purpose cleaners. It also burns cleanly in candle wax, though heat can thin the citrus effect so pairing with terpenes such as limonene restores brightness.
Overuse risks a hollow, metallic edge and can mask delicate middle notes. If the formula already contains other nitriles or strong minty components it is best to dose low and build in small steps.
No special prep is required beyond standard weighing and dilution. The liquid mixes easily with common solvents like ethanol, DEP or IPM. For quick smelling, dilute to 10 % in ethanol before blotter testing to avoid nose fatigue. Always label blends clearly so the mint nuance is not mistaken for pure citrus.
Safety Information
Working with any aroma material calls for sound handling habits and Citrowanil B is no exception.
- Always dilute before smelling: Prepare a 10 % solution in a neutral solvent to lower vapour strength and avoid nasal irritation
- No direct bottle sniffing: Vapours can be concentrated at the neck of the bottle leading to temporary loss of smell or headaches
- Ventilation: Blend and evaluate in a room with good airflow or under a fume hood to keep airborne levels low
- Personal protective gear: Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to stop accidental skin or eye contact
- Health considerations: Some users may experience skin irritation or sensitisation so wash exposed areas with soap and water if contact occurs. Consult a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Short encounters at low levels are generally safe yet prolonged or high exposure can be harmful
For complete peace of mind always review the latest MSDS supplied by your distributor and check it regularly for updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines on maximum dosage in each product type to keep every creation both enjoyable and safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Citrowanil B
Citrowanil B keeps its bright character best when it is shielded from light heat and oxygen. A dedicated perfume fridge set between 4 °C and 8 °C will slow any colour shift and extend shelf life well past three years. If chilled storage is not practical a cool cupboard away from direct sunlight and radiators is usually enough. Aim for a steady temperature because wide swings can introduce condensation inside the bottle.
The container itself matters. Choose glass or aluminium bottles fitted with polycone caps, which create a tight seal and limit air exchange. Dropper tops look convenient yet they often leak vapour and invite oxidation so skip them for long-term storage. After each use top up the headspace with the original concentrate or an inert gas such as nitrogen to keep oxygen levels low. Small working bottles stay fresher when you decant only what you need, leaving the main stock almost full.
Clearly mark every bottle with the ingredient name batch number and date opened. Add hazard icons plus handling notes so anyone who picks it up knows the basics at a glance. For diluted solutions include the solvent and concentration as well. A simple label system prevents mix-ups and supports good lab habits.
Disposal is straightforward but should never involve pouring the raw material down the sink. Small leftovers can be soaked into kitty litter or paper towels then sealed in a plastic bag and placed in chemical waste according to local regulations. Larger volumes should go to a licensed disposal service that handles fragrance ingredients. Citrowanil B is moderately biodegradable yet in concentrated form it can still stress aquatic life so controlled disposal is the safest route.
Rinse empty bottles with a little rubbing alcohol before recycling them as glass or metal. Keep the rinsate in a separate waste container for the next hazardous pickup. Good housekeeping now prevents headaches later and keeps both workspace and environment in top condition.
Summary
Citrowanil B is a synthetic nitrile from Symrise prized for its sparkling lemon-lime opening fruity mid tone and breezy spearmint lift. It bridges top and heart notes giving long-lasting freshness in fine fragrance shampoos detergents and candles. Perfumers value its stability in bleach and high-pH bases along with a cost that sits comfortably between commodity terpenes and luxury specialty molecules.
Used between trace amounts and 5 % it freshens citrus accords enlivens fruity blends and links seamlessly to herbal or floral hearts. Too much can turn metallic so a measured hand is advised. The clear liquid stores well for years when kept cool full and tightly sealed, and careful disposal protects waterways despite its reasonable biodegradability.
Commercial volumes can be sourced directly from Symrise or authorized distributors while hobbyists can find smaller decants through reputable resellers and generic manufacturers. Whether you blend for art or for household products Citrowanil B earns its place on the bench whenever you need a reliable citrus burst that lasts.