What Is Cyclal C?
Cyclal C is an aroma compound first introduced to the fragrance industry in the early 1970s by a leading Swiss fragrance house. It is produced through a multistep synthesis that starts with readily available terpene feedstocks, giving perfumers access to consistent quality and supply year-round. Because the material is built molecule-by-molecule in a lab rather than harvested from plants, it is classed as a synthetic ingredient.
At room temperature Cyclal C is a clear liquid that can range from completely colorless to a faint straw hue, depending on storage conditions and age. The material handles easily, with a moderate vapor pressure that allows smooth incorporation into both alcohol-based and aqueous bases without excessive evaporation during compounding.
Perfumers reach for Cyclal C frequently when a formulation calls for an instantly recognizable natural-green effect. Thanks to wide availability and efficient production methods, it sits in the lower-to-mid price tier compared with more exotic specialty ingredients, so it can be used generously without pushing a formula over budget. You will find it in everything from fine fragrance accords to shampoos, candles and household cleaners, underscoring its versatility.
What Does Cyclal C Smell Like?
Cyclal C belongs to the green olfactory family. On a blotter it opens with an unmistakably leafy snap that feels as if you have just crushed fresh stems between your fingers. Within seconds a subtle floral nuance peeks through, giving the impression of spring blossoms hidden among garden foliage. The green aspect remains dominant yet never feels harsh, instead presenting a rounded, almost dewy freshness that keeps the profile lively and realistic.
In terms of perfumery structure Cyclal C behaves mainly as a top-to-early-mid note. It introduces its bright greenery at the start of a composition then gently bridges into the heart, supporting other floral or fruity notes before fading away rather than anchoring the drydown. Projection is assertive in the first few minutes, making it excellent for adding immediate lift to a fragrance. Longevity on skin or fabric is moderate; expect a noticeable presence for roughly four hours before it subsides, which is typical for a material designed to enliven the opening rather than linger through the base.
How & Where To Use Cyclal C
Cyclal C is an easygoing material that pours cleanly, dissolves fast and rarely misbehaves, so most perfumers find it a pleasure to handle. Its moderate vapor pressure means it does not fill the lab with fumes the minute you open the bottle, yet it still shows up quickly on a blotter.
The note itself sits between crushed leaves and freshly cut stems, giving instant “green” realism. Perfumers use it to brighten the opening of floral bouquets, add snap to fruity accords or lift citrus blends that risk feeling flat. It is also a natural partner for herbal or tomato-leaf effects, where it links top notes to the heart without stealing focus.
Reach for Cyclal C when you need greenery that feels authentic but not grassy. If a formula already contains Hexenol or Galbanum and you want something less piercing, Cyclal C offers the same garden-fresh vibe with softer edges. It also reinforces existing green materials, letting you reduce costlier naturals like violet leaf absolute while keeping the same character.
Typical use levels land between 0.1 percent and 3 percent of the total concentrate. At trace levels it gives a quiet leafy sheen. Around 1 percent it becomes clearly noticeable, pushing a fragrance into spring-morning territory. Above 3 percent the material can dominate, adding a slightly metallic twist, so balance it with florals or light musks if you go that high.
Applications are wide. In fine fragrance it freshens feminine florals and sharpens masculine fougères. In soaps and shampoos it blooms brilliantly under hot water, masking base surfactant odors. In candles the burning note is exceptionally strong, making it perfect for garden or kitchen themed scents. Its weakness is long-term substantivity on dry fabric, so for laundry capsules or dryer sheets pair it with longer lasting greens such as Stemone.
Prep work is simple. Make a 10 percent solution in dipropylene glycol or ethanol so you can dose with accuracy and smell safely. No special antioxidants or stabilizers are required, though keeping the drum tightly capped and stored cool will preserve color and strength.
Safety Information
Working with Cyclal C, like any fragrance material, calls for a few basic precautions to keep the lab safe and your senses sharp.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 1 percent or 10 percent solution before placing the strip under your nose to avoid nasal overload
- Never smell directly from the bottle: the headspace can be much stronger than you expect and may irritate the mucous membranes
- Ensure good ventilation: an extraction hood or open window helps prevent inhaling high vapor concentrations during weighing and pouring
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: this prevents accidental splashes from contacting skin or eyes where irritation can occur
- Health considerations: some aroma chemicals can trigger skin irritation or allergic reactions, and prolonged exposure to high levels may be harmful; seek medical advice before handling if pregnant or breastfeeding
For complete peace of mind always consult the supplier’s latest safety data sheet and follow any updates to handling advice. Check the current IFRA standards for permitted usage levels in your product category and stay within those limits to ensure your creations are both enjoyable and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When kept under the right conditions Cyclal C remains at full strength for roughly two to three years. After that time you may notice a slight loss of brightness or a faint yellow tint, clear signs the material is aging.
A dedicated fragrance fridge set between 5 °C and 10 °C will stretch the shelf life even further, yet room temperature storage works fine as long as the area is cool, dry and out of direct sunlight. Avoid hot benches, windowsills or any spot that cycles above 25 °C because heat speeds up oxidation.
Choose bottles with tight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These liners hug the glass neck and seal out air far better than standard droppers or corks. Each time you pour, top up smaller bottles from a master drum so the headspace stays minimal and the liquid has less contact with oxygen.
Light is the other enemy. Amber glass or metal containers block UV rays that can bleach the scent, yet any opaque box or cupboard will do in a pinch. Keep containers upright to prevent wicking into the cap and wipe threads clean before closing to stop crust from forming which breaks the seal.
Label every vessel with the name Cyclal C, its concentration if diluted, the date filled and key safety phrases like “Irritant, avoid eye contact.” Clear marking saves time in the lab and keeps visitors safe.
For disposal, never tip large volumes down the sink. Mix leftover liquid with an inert absorbent such as floor sweep or cat litter, seal in a bag then send with regular chemical waste according to local rules. Small blotters or rinses can go in household trash after the solvent has fully evaporated. Cyclal C shows moderate biodegradability so it should not linger in the environment once properly treated.
Summary
Cyclal C is a lab made aroma chemical prized for its crisp garden fresh smell that bridges leafy greens and light florals. It opens a fragrance with instant springtime energy then eases into the heart without stealing the show.
Use it at 0.1 to 3 percent to brighten citrus, fruit, floral or herbal accords, boost the realism of classic green notes or soften sharper materials like Hexenol. It loves soaps, shampoos, candles, fine fragrances, pretty much any place that needs a natural plant snap.
The ingredient is affordable, easy to handle and stable in most finished products though it fades on dry fabric so pair it with longer lasting greens if laundry performance matters. Store it cool, keep air out and you will enjoy years of reliable service.
If you want a versatile tool that makes a blend smell as if you just crushed fresh stems, Cyclal C is a fun and forgiving choice to keep on your bench.