What Is Intreleven Aldehyde?
Intreleven Aldehyde is a specialty aroma chemical designed to give fragrances a bright clean lift. It was first developed by IFF, though a few other aroma houses now offer comparable versions sold under different trade names. All grades share the same core molecule so their olfactory effect is virtually identical.
The material is produced through a process that starts with plant-derived feedstocks. By using surplus food sources and fully traceable supply chains, the manufacturer turns what would have been waste into a high-value ingredient. After purification and fractional distillation the result is a clear to slightly straw-tinted liquid with a low viscosity.
Perfumers reach for Intreleven Aldehyde when they need a sparkling top note that also adds a hint of floral softness. It shows up in fine fragrance, fabric conditioners and some soaps, though its high volatility means it does not survive well in powder detergents. Thanks to its biodegradability and upcycled origin it is increasingly popular with brands that promote eco-conscious formulas.
Stored correctly in a cool dark place, the material remains stable for around two to three years before the odor begins to flatten. Pricing sits in the moderate bracket: not a luxury raw material yet not in the cheap commodity tier either. Its balanced cost and performance make it an accessible choice for both niche and mass-market scent creation.
Intreleven Aldehyde’s Scent Description
This ingredient is usually grouped in the fresh aldehydic family. On a blotter it opens with a flash of bubbly citrus reminiscent of freshly zested lemon mixed with the crispness of sea air. Almost immediately a soft petal nuance blooms, calling to mind lilies trimmed with a hint of waxy jasmine. Beneath that sparkle is a faint mineral facet that feels like wet stone after rain, giving the note an airy marine character.
Intreleven Aldehyde sits firmly in the top note tier. It announces itself within seconds of application then gradually hands the stage to heart notes after roughly 15 to 20 minutes, though traces of its floral ozone vibe can linger into the early dry-down if dosed generously.
Projection is robust at the start, throwing a clean halo that grabs attention without feeling harsh. Longevity on skin or fabric is moderate for an aldehyde: the vivid first impression lasts around an hour while subtle whispery remnants can be detected for three to four hours, especially in compositions rich in musks or woods that help anchor the molecule.
How & Where To Use Intreleven Aldehyde
Perfumers add Intreleven Aldehyde when a formula needs an instant lift at the very top. Its bright ozone citrus flash works well in modern colognes, aquatic florals and any composition that aims to feel like crisp linen drying in the sun. It is also a handy bridge between orange notes and watery florals, smoothing the hand-off so the opening feels seamless.
In a classic aldehydic bouquet the material can replace part of the heavier C10–C12 fatty aldehydes, giving the accord a lighter, more transparent style. In marine accords it reinforces sea-spray impressions without resorting to calone-type molecules that can dominate. Citrus colognes benefit too, because a pinch helps the zest feel more effervescent and last a little longer.
Typical usage sits between 0.05 % and 3 % of the finished concentrate, though going as high as 5 % is possible in special effects like high-impact linen sprays. At trace levels it is mostly fresh sparkle; above 1 % a sweet floral body starts to show; above 3 % a fatty metallic edge can creep in, so careful trials are wise.
Product base matters. Performance is very good in alcohol, soap and fabric softener but weak in powdered detergent where the note can get lost. If stability beyond two years is required an antioxidant and light-proof packaging are recommended, as aldehydes slowly oxidize and lose punch.
Before weighing, prepare a 10 % solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. This makes dosing easier and reduces the chance of overdosing. Keep the bulk container tightly closed, purge the headspace with nitrogen if you have it and record the opening date. These small habits preserve freshness and ensure batch-to-batch consistency.
Safely Using Intreleven Aldehyde
Dilution is key so always work from a pre-made solution rather than the neat liquid. Avoid direct sniffing; place a fresh blotter or small vial at arm’s length and fan the air toward your nose. Use the ingredient in a room with good airflow or under a fume hood to limit inhalation.
Gloves and safety glasses protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes. Although the molecule is readily biodegradable it can still irritate sensitive skin, especially at high strength. Wash any contacted area with mild soap and water right away.
Short low-level exposure is generally safe for healthy adults yet prolonged contact or breathing concentrated vapors can cause headaches or irritation. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before handling any aroma chemicals.
Store the bottle in a cool dark place, tightly sealed to slow oxidation. Dispose of unwanted material through a licensed chemical waste service, never down the drain.
Finally always read the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied with your batch and check it for updates. Follow IFRA guidelines on maximum use levels in finished products to keep both makers and consumers safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Intreleven Aldehyde
Freshness starts with temperature control. Keeping the bottle in a refrigerator between 4 °C and 8 °C slows oxidation and color change, though a shelf in a cool dark cupboard will serve if fridge space is tight. Whichever spot you choose make sure it is out of direct sunlight and away from radiators or hot machinery.
Air contact is the enemy of aldehydes. Use bottles that can be filled close to the shoulder so only a small air pocket remains. Polycone caps give a much tighter seal than droppers so pick them for both bulk stock and 10 % dilutions. Wipe the threads clean before closing and add a strip of PTFE tape if the cap will sit for months.
Label every container with the ingredient name, CAS number 1337-83-3, concentration and the date you opened it. A visible hazard icon for irritant material helps anyone who might handle the bottle later. Good lab notes today prevent guessing games next year.
When a batch has oxidized or the expiry date passes treat the liquid as chemical waste, even though it is readily biodegradable. Small hobby-scale volumes can often be taken to a local household hazardous waste center. Larger amounts from a studio or factory should go through a licensed disposal contractor. Never tip leftovers into a sink or outside drain as the sharp odor travels fast.
Empty bottles should be triple-rinsed with a little alcohol, allowed to air dry then recycled or disposed of following local regulations. Keep the rinsate with other solvent waste for collection.
Summary
Intreleven Aldehyde, also known as Undec-2-enal, is a fresh sparkling aldehyde from IFF that mixes citrus, ozone and a light floral breeze. Perfumers use it to lift the top of colognes, aquatic florals and laundry accords, giving crisp clarity without the heavy waxy feel of classic fatty aldehydes.
It sits in a mid price bracket so generous inclusion is possible but its brightness fades if stored poorly or used in powder formats. In alcohol, soap and fabric conditioner it shows very good stability and adds an airy seam between citrus heads and floral hearts.
Popularity stems from its renewable upcycled origin and easy biodegradability, qualities that appeal to modern clean fragrance stories. Still, formulators must manage oxidation risk and remember that too high a dose can push a metallic edge.
Commercial houses can order directly from IFF through their Ingredients division while independent perfumers often buy smaller packs from specialty distributors or generic makers who list the material under its CAS number. Whichever route you take secure storage good labeling and sensible handling will keep this bright aldehyde in top shape until the moment you need its fizzy snap.