What Is Cyclomethylene Citronellol?
Cyclomethylene Citronellol is a liquid aroma chemical created primarily by DSM-Firmenich, though other suppliers may offer the same molecule under non-branded names. It belongs to the family of synthetically crafted fragrance materials that imitate and extend natural floral notes.
The molecule is made through a carefully controlled chemical synthesis that starts with components recovered from citrus oils. Those leftovers are refined then built up into the finished material, a process that follows modern green-chemistry guidelines and keeps the carbon content largely renewable. The result is a clear, mobile liquid with a faintly oily texture that pours easily at room temperature.
Formulators value Cyclomethylene Citronellol for its versatility. It appears in fine fragrances as well as functional products like shampoo, shower gel, detergent, fabric softener, all-purpose cleaners and even candles. Its popularity has grown over the past decade because it offers a soft yet long-lasting floral effect while also ticking sustainability boxes.
When stored in a well-sealed container away from heat and direct light, the material keeps its quality for roughly two to three years before gradual oxidation dulls its scent. Despite its high performance and green profile it is considered moderately priced, sitting comfortably between budget workhorse materials and the costly prestige molecules.
Cyclomethylene Citronellol’s Scent Description
This ingredient falls into the floral olfactory family. On a blotter the very first sniff brings a gentle splash of lemon zest and juicy pear, quickly wrapped in fresh rose petals. Within minutes a lily-of-the-valley nuance joins in, giving a clean dewy feel that softens the citrus edges. As the scent settles further a subtle fruity-musky warmth appears, rounding the floral heart without turning soapy.
Perfumers divide a fragrance into top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the light molecules you notice in the first few minutes, middle notes form the main character for the next couple of hours and base notes linger the longest. Cyclomethylene Citronellol sits firmly in the middle note category. It bridges sparkling top notes like bergamot or grapefruit and anchors them to deeper bases such as musk or soft woods, ensuring a smooth transition through a perfume’s lifespan.
Projection is moderate: the scent radiates gently, creating a noticeable yet non-intrusive aura. Longevity is impressive for a floral material. On skin it can be smelled for six to eight hours, while on a paper blotter it holds for nearly a week before fading to a faint rosy whisper.
How & Where To Use Cyclomethylene Citronellol
Perfumers reach for Cyclomethylene Citronellol when a formula needs a gentle floral halo that blends easily with other materials. It slips neatly into rose, muguet or general fruity floral accords, rounding off any sharp edges and lending an airy freshness.
At low traces of 0.05 % to 0.2 % of the concentrate it acts almost like a soft-focus filter, smoothing harsh citrus heads or taming aldehydes. Between 0.3 % and 1 % the rosy facet becomes more obvious and adds lift to jasmine, peony and pear themes. Pushing it toward 3 % to 5 % lets the note stand on its own, giving a bright petal effect ideal for modern shampoos or fabric softeners that need extra bloom after drying.
Concentration changes its personality. Dilute and it smells sheer and watery, letting green nuances peek through. Higher levels reveal a warmer, slightly waxy rose that can crowd out delicate partners if not balanced with crisp top notes or woody bases.
The material shines in fine fragrance, soaps, shower gels, detergents and candles because it holds up well in both water based and wax bases. It survives most pH swings in cleaners and keeps its scent after a week on a scent strip, which translates to good wear on skin and textiles. The one area where it underperforms is heavy oriental blends rich in resins where its light character can disappear behind dense balsams.
Risks of overuse include a cloying fruity sweetness that can read as synthetic and a flattening of contrast in complex bouquets. Over 5 % in the concentrate may also push some formulas above IFRA limits once the finished product level is calculated.
No special pre work is needed, though many perfumers prepare a 10 % ethanol or dipropylene glycol solution for easier weighing and faster smelling. The liquid stays clear in these carriers and pours without heating, saving time at the bench.
Safely Using Cyclomethylene Citronellol
Dilution is key. Always prepare a working solution before evaluating the scent. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle as the neat aroma can overwhelm the nose and increase exposure.
Work in a well ventilated space to limit inhalation of vapors. Even though the vapor pressure is low, repeated uncapped use can allow invisible build up in the air.
Protective gear matters. Wear nitrile gloves to stop skin contact and safety glasses to guard against accidental splashes. A lab coat or apron keeps clothing free of spills.
Like many aroma chemicals this molecule can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before handling fragrance raw materials.
Brief contact with low concentrations is generally considered safe yet prolonged or high level exposure may lead to headache, respiratory discomfort or dermatitis. Wipe spills quickly, wash hands after handling and keep containers sealed when not in use.
Dispose of waste according to local regulations. Small amounts can often go with solvent waste streams though larger volumes may need specialist disposal. Never pour residues down household drains.
Always consult the latest safety data sheet provided by your supplier and review it regularly as updates occur. Cross check your intended end product level with current IFRA guidelines to ensure consumer safety.
How To Store & Dispose of Cyclomethylene Citronellol
Keep the neat material in airtight glass or high grade plastic bottles positioned in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sun and hot pipes. A household fridge between 4 °C and 8 °C can add several extra years of freshness but is not essential if the storage room stays below 20 °C most of the year.
Fit each bottle with a polycone lined cap to create a tight seal that stops slow evaporation and keeps out moisture. Skip dropper tops because their vent holes let in air and can speed up oxidation.
Try to store the liquid in the smallest practical container so the headspace remains low. Top up working bottles from a master drum when the level drops below two thirds. Less air contact means fewer off notes over time.
Label every container clearly with the material name Cyclomethylene Citronellol, its CAS number 15760-18-6, the date opened and any hazard icons from the SDS. Good labeling prevents mix-ups and makes emergency handling easier.
For disposal check your local rules first. Although the molecule is readily biodegradable and scores highly on green metrics it is still a scented solvent so should not go straight into household drains. Small residues can be soaked into cat litter or other absorbent then sent with regulated solid waste. Larger volumes belong in a sealed drum for collection by a licensed chemical disposal firm that can recycle the solvent or use controlled incineration.
Summary
Cyclomethylene Citronellol is a liquid floral ingredient that smells like soft rose petals touched with muguet pear and a hint of citrus. It sits in the heart of a perfume adding gentle lift and a clean airy link between bright top notes and warmer bases.
The material is popular because it is affordable, easy to blend and impressively long lasting for a floral note. Its upcycled renewable feedstock and strong biodegradability score also appeal to brands looking for greener stories.
Stability is good as long as the bottle stays cool full and tightly closed. It tolerates a wide pH range so works in fine fragrance shower gels soaps detergents softeners and candles but can fade behind very heavy orientals.
Creators can buy factory-scale quantities directly from DSM-Firmenich while hobbyists and small labs will find smaller packs through fragrance supply houses and generic aroma chemical vendors.