What Is Folione?
Folione is a synthetic aroma chemical best known for bringing a vivid leafy nuance to fragrances. It was introduced by the Swiss fragrance house Givaudan, although a few other suppliers now offer comparable versions under different trade names. Regardless of source, the molecule itself remains the same.
The material is produced through straightforward lab synthesis starting from simple organic building blocks, making it reliable and consistent batch after batch. Once finished it appears as a clear mobile liquid with no visible tint and a neutral sheen, so it is easy to measure and blend.
Perfumers reach for Folione when they want a quick burst of natural greenery without using large amounts of costly botanical extracts. Because only trace amounts are normally required its usage volume across the industry is moderate yet steady. In terms of price it sits in the lower-to-middle bracket, which helps explain its popularity in both fine fragrance and functional products.
Like most small aroma molecules Folione keeps well when stored correctly. Manufacturers usually quote a shelf life of around two years from the production date, after which the scent slowly loses brightness. With sensible stock rotation this is rarely an issue in a creative lab.
Folione’s Scent Description
Folione is grouped in the green family, the same olfactive territory shared by violet leaf, cut grass and tender stems. On a blotter the first impression is a splash of cool cucumber water followed by the crisp snap of freshly crushed leaves. Within seconds a delicate violet-leaf tone appears, adding a quiet floral whisper that stops the scent from feeling purely vegetal. As it settles there is a faint earthy edge reminiscent of damp potting soil that gives the profile depth without turning muddy.
Perfumers talk about top, middle and base notes to explain how a perfume unfolds over time. Folione behaves mainly as a vibrant top-to-early-middle note. It announces itself in the opening, stays noticeable for a few hours and then softens, allowing heart notes like ionones or orris accords to take center stage. It does not cling to fabric for days like heavy woods or musks, yet it lasts longer than many other leafy ingredients.
Projection is high in the first thirty minutes, pushing a vivid green aura around the wearer. On a blotter the material remains detectable for roughly sixteen hours before fading to a subtle whisper, which is excellent endurance for something used in such tiny doses.
How & Where To Use Folione
Perfumers reach for Folione when a formula needs a quick burst of vivid greenery that feels natural and slightly watery. It excels in top notes of fine fragrances where a cucumber or violet leaf nuance opens the composition with freshness. When combined with ionones or Isoraldeine materials it slips seamlessly into soft floral violet or orris accords, tightening the link between top and heart.
The material also adds lift to fruity blends, giving melon, pear or apple notes a more authentic leafy edge. In chypres and modern fougères a trace sharpens the herbal facets without pushing the blend into overtly vegetal territory, while in citrus colognes it keeps the zest from feeling flat.
Typical use sits in the trace to 0.05 % range of the finished concentrate. Givaudan suggests up to 0.1 % on rare occasions but higher levels risk an aggressive metallic green that can swamp delicate florals. At very low dosage the note feels dewy and fresh, yet as concentration climbs it turns darker and slightly chemical so build up in increments and smell frequently.
Folione is less convincing in heavy amber, gourmand or incense styles where its brightness feels disconnected. It can also discolor soaps slightly if overdosed although at recommended levels it delivers excellent bloom and survives high pH very well.
Before weighing Folione many perfumers premix it to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. The dilution tames its strength and makes fine adjustments easier. Always label the stock clearly and use glass or fluorinated plastic to avoid softening weaker plastics over time.
Pair wisely with other high-impact greens like cis-3-Hexenol or Stemone to avoid an overly sharp accord. A tiny hint of ionone or orris butter rounds the edges and extends its natural feel.
Safely Using Folione
Dilution is key so prepare a working solution before evaluation. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle and always assess the scent on a blotter held at arm’s length. Work in a well-ventilated space to keep airborne concentration low. Gloves and safety glasses protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
Folione is readily biodegradable but rated toxic to aquatic life so prevent spills from reaching drains. Skin contact may cause irritation or sensitisation in susceptible individuals. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a medical professional before handling any aroma chemical.
Brief exposure to low vapour levels is generally safe yet prolonged or high-level contact can irritate mucous membranes. Wash hands after use and remove any contaminated clothing promptly. Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dark cabinet away from ignition sources and strong acids or bases.
Dispose of small residues in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations. Rinse empty containers only when permitted by your disposal provider and never pour concentrate into the sink.
Always consult the latest Safety Data Sheet from your supplier because hazard classifications and recommended precautions can change. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage in each product category to ensure your formulas remain safe and compliant.
How To Store & Dispose of Folione
Folione keeps its crisp leafy character longest when stored in tightly sealed glass or fluorinated plastic bottles placed in a cool dark cabinet. Refrigeration is optional but useful if you expect the stock to sit for many months. Avoid direct sunlight or heaters because warmth speeds oxidation and dulls the scent.
Choose polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions since they create a superior seal compared with standard droppers. Dropper bottles breathe and let solvent flash off, so reserve them only for immediate sampling. Try to keep containers as full as possible by transferring leftovers into smaller bottles, reducing the air space that encourages degradation.
Label every vessel clearly with the name Folione, its dilution strength, the CAS number 111-12-6 and any hazard pictograms required by your local regulations. Dating each label helps track freshness and makes inventory rotation easy.
Although Folione is readily biodegradable it is rated toxic to aquatic life, so never discard concentrate or rinse water down the drain. Collect unwanted residue in a sealed, solvent-safe jar and take it to a hazardous waste facility or arrange pickup through a licensed disposal service. Wipe spills with absorbent material, place the waste in a sealed bag then dispose of it with other chemical solids following local rules.
Empty bottles may be triple-rinsed only if authorities allow, using the same solvent present in the formula. Capture the rinse liquid for proper disposal. Once fully drained and dry, containers can often enter normal recycling but confirm with your municipal guidelines first.
Summary
Folione is Givaudan’s high-impact green note that smells like crushed violet leaf with a watery cucumber twist and a soft floral edge. Used in traces up to 0.1 percent it lifts top notes, polishes orris and ionone accords and adds realism to fruity or herbal blends.
The ingredient enjoys steady popularity because a tiny drop brings instant freshness yet it remains affordable. It is stable in most pH ranges and survives soap curing well, though overuse can turn metallic and may tint some bases. Cost is moderate and its very specific green profile means it shines in certain styles but feels misplaced in heavy ambers or gourmands.
Commercial buyers can source Folione directly from Givaudan or approved distributors. Smaller hobbyists will find repackaged lots and generic methyl 2-octynoate through speciality fragrance suppliers and online resellers that cater to artisan perfumers.