What Is Clonal?
Clonal is a synthetic aroma molecule created by International Flavors & Fragrances, the global fragrance house often shortened to IFF. While IFF first brought it to market, other suppliers now offer the same chemical under alternate trade names so it is fairly easy to source.
At room temperature the material is a clear liquid with no visible color, which makes it simple to blend into both alcohol based perfumes and functional products. The compound is produced through standard organic chemistry steps that build its carbon chain then introduce a nitrogen atom in the final stage. Modern production lines rely on renewable starting materials so the ingredient is classed as vegan friendly.
Perfumers reach for Clonal when they need a lively citrus twist that will hold up in challenging formulas. You will find it in colognes, shampoos, soaps and even detergents because it keeps its character when exposed to heat, light and high pH. In most fragrance houses the material is considered a mid-volume workhorse rather than an exotic specialty item, so its price sits comfortably in the moderate to low bracket.
With proper storage in a tightly sealed drum or bottle the shelf life is usually around two years before subtle oxidation starts to dull its sparkle. Unlike naturals that can vary season to season, Clonal’s quality remains consistent from batch to batch which makes it a dependable tool on the perfumer’s bench.
Clonal’s Scent Description
Clonal is grouped in the citrus family thanks to its lively orange peel and grapefruit facets. When you test it on a blotter the first impression is a zesty burst that recalls the pith of a freshly twisted orange rind. Very quickly a cooler metallic breeze emerges, giving an almost sea-spray sensation that some describe as ozonic. As the minutes pass a sheer aldehydic sparkle lingers, keeping the note bright rather than sweet or sugary.
In perfume construction we talk about top, middle and base notes to describe how an accord unfolds over time. Clonal sits firmly in the top segment where it provides an immediate hit of freshness. It does not disappear as fast as most citrus molecules though. After the initial flash it drifts into the heart of the fragrance, gently supporting green and floral elements for several hours before finally fading.
Projection is moderate: strong enough to give a perfume a crisp opening yet polite enough to avoid overwhelming nearby noses. On skin the material can be detected for four to six hours, which is impressive for a citrus-type note and one of the reasons perfumers value it for long lasting cologne styles.
How & Where To Use Clonal
Perfumers reach for Clonal when they need a crisp citrus sparkle that will not vanish after the opening. It slips easily into classic eau de cologne styles, modern marine blends, even fruit-forward gourmands where a dry orange twist keeps sweetness in check.
As a top note booster Clonal pairs well with bergamot oil, grapefruit terpenes and smaller doses of aldehydes. It also knits seamlessly with metallic woods such as Iso E Super and violet leaf for fresh masculine accords. When a formulation calls for a clean almost ozonic breeze, Clonal often outperforms more volatile citruses that oxidise quickly.
Typical inclusion runs from a trace to about 0.5 % in fine fragrance for a gentle lift, up to 2 % in detergents or household sprays where higher wash-off is expected. Going above 5 % can push the note into a harsh oily rind and may thin the overall accord so most perfumers stay well below that ceiling.
Perceived odour shifts with concentration. At low levels it reads as dry peel and zest. Around 1 % the metallic facet steps forward giving an almost mineral edge. Very high levels can bring a waxy aldehydic bite that overshadows delicate florals.
Over-use risks include a steely off-tone in candles and an astringent bitterness in soap bases. It can also clash with sweet orange oil if both are overdosed, producing a pithy aftertaste on skin.
No special pre-dilution solvent is required yet most labs prepare a 10 % solution in ethanol or DPG to make weighing and corrections easier. Because Clonal has low volatility it blends smoothly into both cold and hot pours, though gentle warming can speed dissolution in wax or surfactant systems.
In short Clonal is a dependable workhorse for long-lasting citrus clarity but it rewards restraint and careful layering with brighter natural oils.
Safely Using Clonal
Dilution is key so prepare a working solution before evaluation to avoid overwhelming vapours. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle; instead fan the scent toward your nose from a smelling strip. Always handle Clonal in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood.
Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to keep the liquid off skin and out of eyes. Although Clonal is considered of low acute toxicity it can cause irritation in sensitive individuals, especially at high concentration. Wash with soap and water if contact occurs.
Brief exposure to diluted levels is generally regarded as safe yet prolonged handling of the neat material may dry skin or trigger headaches. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before repeated use of aroma chemicals.
Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dry cabinet away from direct light to maintain purity. Dispose of unwanted material via chemical waste streams, never down household drains, as the high log P value indicates persistence in the environment.
Always consult the latest safety data sheet from your supplier and follow any updated handling advice. Conform to current IFRA guidelines for maximum allowable dosage in each product category to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Clonal
Clonal keeps its punchiest citrus sparkle when it is protected from heat light and air. A cool dark cupboard is usually sufficient but refrigeration can extend shelf life even further especially in warm climates. Whatever storage temperature you choose allow the bottle to reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation inside the neck.
Use screw tops fitted with polycone inserts for both neat material and dilutions. These liners create a tight vapor barrier that outperforms glass droppers or pipette caps which often leak and invite oxidation. Whenever possible decant into smaller bottles as the stock level drops so the headspace stays minimal.
Store Clonal away from reactive acids or strong bases that could break down the nitrile bond. Keep it far from open flames despite its low vapor pressure and never stack heavy items on top of the bottle in case of impact.
Label every container clearly with the name Clonal or dodecanitrile, the CAS number 2437-25-4, date of receipt, dilution strength and a reminder to wear gloves and eye protection. This habit saves time during formula work and protects anyone who may need to handle the chemical later.
When a batch has oxidized or you simply have leftovers, do not wash it down the sink. The molecule is slow to biodegrade thanks to its high log P so it should be collected in a sealed waste jug destined for a licensed chemical disposal facility. Contaminated pipettes or wipes go in a solvent-safe trash can that will be incinerated. Rinse empty glassware with a small amount of alcohol, capture that rinse in the same waste stream then wash as usual.
Summary
Clonal is a synthetic citrus enhancer developed by IFF that delivers a dry orange peel and grapefruit edge with a subtle metallic twist. It bridges the gap between fleeting top notes and longer lasting heart materials which makes it a popular workhorse in fine fragrance, soaps, detergents and candles.
The clear liquid offers excellent stability, moderate cost and a clean vegan supply chain yet its distinct profile means it can overwhelm delicate florals if overdosed. Proper storage in cool conditions plus tight polycone caps helps maintain freshness for years.
Bulk quantities are available directly from major aroma chemical distributors or IFF affiliates while smaller hobby sized bottles can be sourced through online perfumery shops and generic suppliers that stock CAS 2437-25-4. Handle it with basic lab precautions and responsible disposal practices to enjoy its bright zesty lift across a wide range of scented products.