What Is Dihydro Cyclacet?
Dihydro Cyclacet is a synthetic aroma chemical created by IFF, one of the world’s largest flavor and fragrance houses. Smaller suppliers often carry it under generic names that point back to the same CAS number, so perfumers can find it from more than one source.
The material is produced through standard organic reactions that turn simple cyclic alcohol building blocks into an ester, followed by a controlled hydrogenation step that “dihydro” part of the name refers to. The result is a stable molecule with the formula C12H18O2.
At room temperature it appears as a clear liquid that can look water-white or show a bare hint of straw yellow if it has been stored for a while. The fluid is thin, not syrupy, which makes it easy to measure and blend.
Dihydro Cyclacet finds its way into fine fragrance, fabric care and even powdered detergent because it keeps its character under heat and alkaline conditions. That broad usefulness has made it a staple on many compounders’ shelves.
When unopened and kept in a cool dark place the ingredient normally holds full strength for about two to three years. After that it can still smell fine, yet the top sparkle may soften.
On the price scale it sits comfortably in the mid range. It is not a luxury captive that breaks the budget yet it is also not a bargain basement solvent note. Most creative labs can afford to keep a kilo or two in stock.
Dihydro Cyclacet’s Scent Description
This material is grouped in the herbal family, sitting right next to classic green notes.
On a smelling blotter the first impression is vivid crushed basil leaves with the brisk snap of a freshly torn stem. A cool minty twist hovers in the back, giving the profile lift while a soft green woodiness anchors it. Some perfumers also pick up a faint spicy nuance that recalls tarragon.
In the standard perfume pyramid ingredients can hit the top middle or base. Dihydro Cyclacet leans into the heart yet it flashes some early sparkle, so it bridges the top and middle zones. It kicks off fast within the first few minutes then settles into a steady green hum that lasts for hours.
Projection is bold. Even at low dosages the molecule throws its scent above the blotter and can fill a small room during evaluation. Longevity on paper is five to six hours before it fades to a gentle leafy whisper.
How & Where To Use Dihydro Cyclacet
Perfumers reach for Dihydro Cyclacet when they need a clean lively greenery that lasts longer than fleeting top-note materials like cis-3-Hexenol yet feels less medicinal than straight eucalyptus or rosemary oil. A few drops breathe realism into basil, mint or tomato leaf accords while keeping formula cost in check compared with expensive naturals. It also lifts woody hearts by adding a dew-fresh sheen that prevents cedar or patchouli from turning heavy.
Typical inclusion sits anywhere from a trace at 0.1 % for subtle leafy lift to around 3 % of the concentrate for a pronounced herbal signature. Going past 5 % risks pushing the blend into harsh terpene territory where the pleasant basil facet can shift toward plastic or camphor. At low levels the note reads juicy and green, at moderate levels it shows a gentle spicy basil warmth, at high dose it may dominate and feel synthetic so restraint is advised.
The molecule excels in fine fragrance, fabric softener and powder detergent thanks to its excellent stability in both heat and alkaline environments. It is less suited to candle wax where very high temperatures can mute the fresher nuances and leave a flat herbal remnant.
Before weighing, give the bottle a brief roll between your palms because cooler storage can cause slight viscosity changes. Pre-dilute to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for easier pipetting and more reliable scaling in test mods. Blend it early with other heart notes so it integrates rather than sitting on top of the accord.
Watch for interactions with aldehydes and citrus materials; a small amount rounds their edges but excess can blunt sparkle. If the formula already contains strong galbanum or artemisia you may need to back Dihydro Cyclacet down to a mere whisper to avoid an overload of green facets.
Safely Using Dihydro Cyclacet
Dilution is key when evaluating this material. Always prepare a working solution before smelling to reduce the chance of nasal overload or irritation. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle, instead waft the diluted blotter toward your nose. Carry out all handling in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood to keep vapor concentration low.
Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses so accidental splashes do not reach skin or eyes. While brief contact with low concentrations is generally regarded as low hazard, undiluted material can provoke redness or sensitization in some users. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before regular laboratory exposure.
Prolonged or repeated inhalation of high concentrations may cause headaches or respiratory discomfort. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use and wipe spills promptly with absorbent paper that is then sealed in a bag for disposal.
Store the bottle in a cool dry cupboard away from direct light to slow oxidation and preserve freshness. Non-biodegradable status means waste should never be poured down the drain. Small quantities can be absorbed onto inert material and disposed of as chemical waste in line with local regulations. Larger volumes should be collected by a licensed disposal service.
Always read the most recent safety data sheet issued by your supplier and check back often as classifications can change with new research. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum concentration in each product type to protect both users and the environment.
How To Store & Dispose of Dihydro Cyclacet
Good storage habits keep Dihydro Cyclacet bright and punchy for longer. A refrigerator set around 4 °C slows oxidation but is not vital if space is tight. A cool dark cupboard that stays below 20 °C and away from heaters or windows also works well.
Choose amber glass bottles with airtight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These liners press against the neck to form a tighter seal than dropper bottles can manage. Avoid repeated opening of large bottles; instead decant working stock into a smaller container so the main supply stays almost full and has less contact with air.
Label every bottle clearly with the ingredient name, its concentration, the date you opened it and any hazard pictograms. A quick glance then tells anyone in the lab exactly what they are handling and when it should be checked for quality.
When the material no longer meets your standards do not rinse it down the sink. Dihydro Cyclacet is classed as non biodegradable so wastewater systems will not break it down. Small leftovers can be soaked into vermiculite or paper towels and sealed in a dedicated chemical waste bag. Larger volumes should go to a licensed disposal company that handles industrial fragrance residues.
Clean glassware with warm soapy water followed by a wipe of alcohol then let it air dry. Keep record sheets of what you discard and when. This paper trail helps with future audits and confirms you are treating the environment with care.
Summary
Dihydro Cyclacet is a synthetic green herbal note that smells like freshly crushed basil leaves with a gentle camphor lift. It bridges bright citrus tops and woody bases, holds its own for hours and stays stable in challenging products such as detergents and fabric softeners.
The ingredient sits in the middle price band yet delivers a big sensory punch which explains its popularity with both niche and mainstream perfumers. It remains lively under heat and alkaline stress, though very high doses can lean plastic or overbearing so measured use is key.
To keep it at peak quality store it cool and dark, seal bottles tightly and avoid excess air space. Disposal calls for absorbent material and chemical waste channels because the molecule does not biodegrade.
You can buy commercial scale quantities straight from IFF or authorized distributors. Smaller labs and hobbyists often source it from specialist aroma suppliers who rebottle into 5 ml to 1 kg packs, sometimes under its CAS number or generic “Dihydro Cyclacet” name. A little goes a long way, making it a handy tool for adding crisp garden freshness to a wide range of fragrance projects.