What Is Dihydroisojasmonate?
Dihydroisojasmonate is a synthetic aroma chemical first identified in the late 1950s during research aimed at reproducing the naturally occurring scent molecule jasmonic acid. Commercial production followed a few years later, quickly earning the material a place in modern perfumery.
Manufacturing starts with a jasmonic acid analogue that is hydrogenated to create a stable dihydro compound. This intermediate is then esterified with methanol, giving the finished ingredient a high assay purity that supports consistent scent performance batch after batch. Because every step happens in a lab setting the material is classified as synthetic rather than natural.
At room temperature the ingredient appears as a clear mobile liquid. Freshly produced lots are almost colourless though a very pale straw hue can develop over time without affecting quality. The liquid flows freely which makes weighing and blending easy for both artisanal and large-scale manufacturers.
Dihydroisojasmonate is used worldwide in fine fragrance, personal care and household products. Formulators prize it for versatility, stability and the way it lifts floral accords. Production methods are well established so the material is considered affordable rather than a luxury specialty, giving independent perfumers and major brands equal access.
What Does Dihydroisojasmonate Smell Like?
This molecule is generally grouped in the floral family.
On a smelling strip it opens with a soft yet vivid jasmine impression. Within seconds a leafy green nuance emerges, steering the floral tone away from sweetness and into a fresher territory. As the scent settles a faint rosy touch appears in the background, rounding the initial facets and adding a gentle petal effect. The overall character feels airy and luminous rather than dense or heady.
Perfumers often discuss notes in terms of top, middle and base. Top notes are the first to evaporate, middle notes form the heart and base notes linger the longest. Dihydroisojasmonate sits squarely in the middle note area. It rises quickly enough to connect with the top yet lasts long enough to bridge into the drydown, giving compositions a seamless floral continuity.
Projection is moderate, meaning the scent radiates a noticeable but not overpowering aura around the wearer. Longevity on skin or fabric is respectable, usually holding its floral-green signature for several hours before tapering to a subtle whisper.
How & Where To Use Dihydroisojasmonate
This is an easygoing material to handle. It pours smoothly, behaves well in blends and rarely surprises you with off notes or instability.
Perfumers usually reach for it when they want to brighten the heart of a floral accord without leaning too sweet. Its gentle jasmine profile lifts gardenia, tuberose or ylang at low percentages while the leafy green facet keeps rose and muguet accords feeling crisp. In citrus openings a trace dose knits zestier top notes to white floral hearts, giving the transition a polished feel.
Usage levels often sit between 0.1 % and 2 % of the total concentrate. Go toward 3 %–5 % if the brief calls for a clearly recognizable jasmine tone that is still lighter than using Hedione or natural absolute. At micro doses the material registers more as a fresh breeze than a defined flower. As you climb past 2 % the rosy petal nuance becomes obvious and the composition starts to feel more overtly floral.
Outside fine fragrance, it works well in shampoo, shower gel and soap where its stability against heat and alkaline pH maintains a pleasant bloom during use. It also survives the high temperatures of candle production, contributing a clean floral trace that does not discolor wax. In heavy gourmand or resinous bases it can feel out of place, so consider pairing it with transparent musks or soft woods rather than dense amber.
No special prep is usually required. If you are blending in a very cold studio give the bottle a quick warm water bath so the liquid stays mobile, then weigh directly into alcohol or your chosen diluent.
Safely Information
Working with any aroma chemical calls for a few sensible precautions to protect both the formulator and the finished product.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 % solution in alcohol or dipropylene glycol before smelling on a blotter
- Avoid direct inhalation: never sniff straight from the bottle instead waft vapors from a dipped strip in a well ventilated area
- Protective gear: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to keep liquid away from skin and eyes
- Ventilation: work under a fume hood or with good airflow to prevent buildup of volatiles
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions consult a medical professional if pregnant or breastfeeding keep exposure time low and concentrations minimal
For complete peace of mind always review the latest material safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and check it regularly for updates. Follow any IFRA guidelines that apply to your end product to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
Storage And Disposal
When stored with care dihydroisojasmonate remains in top condition for around two to three years before any noticeable drift in odour or colour. Some lots stay fresh even longer but planning on a 24-36 month window keeps quality control simple.
Refrigeration is not essential yet a dedicated scent fridge set between 4 °C and 8 °C can stretch shelf life considerably. If cold storage is not available a cool cupboard away from radiators sunshine and fluctuating humidity works well. Darkness is your friend so choose amber glass or keep clear bottles inside a cardboard sleeve.
Use polycone lined caps on both neat material and dilutions. The flexible insert forms a tight seal that dropper tops cannot match preventing slow evaporation and sneaky oxygen ingress. Whenever possible fill bottles close to the shoulder then decant the remainder into a smaller vial. Less headspace means less oxidation and a cleaner aroma.
Avoid repeated temperature swings. Let chilled bottles warm to room temperature before opening to stop moisture from condensing inside. Wipe threads after each use then recap firmly. Record the opening date on a strip of tape and stick it to the bottle for quick reference.
Clearly label every container with the ingredient name batch number safety pictograms and emergency contact details. Good housekeeping saves time during formulation and speeds up any future compliance checks.
For disposal small laboratory quantities can usually be diluted well with plenty of water and washed down the drain if local regulations allow. Larger volumes or mixtures containing solvents should go to a licensed chemical waste handler. The molecule is readily biodegradable under normal environmental conditions so it does not persist for long but responsible disposal still protects waterways and avoids regulatory headaches.
Summary
Dihydroisojasmonate is a lab-made floral material that mirrors the airy side of jasmine with a crisp green twist and a shy rose petal finish. Sitting in the heart note zone it acts as a bright connector between sparkling tops and soft musky bases.
Whether you are polishing a white floral bouquet adding lift to a shampoo base or giving candles a clean bloom this ingredient proves both versatile and forgiving. Its stability in heat alkali and light keeps formulas smelling fresh while its moderate price tag makes experimentation easy.
Keep an eye on oxidation by using tight caps storing cool and working from smaller bottles as the level drops. Other than that dihydroisojasmonate is a fun tool that slots into countless accords and remains a firm favourite in the modern aroma palette.