What Is Jasmal?
Jasmal is a synthetic aroma ingredient created by International Flavors & Fragrances, better known as IFF. You may also come across it under its more technical alias, 3-pentyltetrahydro-2H-pyran-4-yl acetate. The name is quite a mouthful, yet the CAS number 18871-14-2 keeps identification simple and consistent.
The material is obtained through controlled chemical synthesis that converts readily available starting molecules into the finished ester. While IFF originated the molecule, several fragrance suppliers now offer equivalent grades that follow the same specifications.
At room temperature Jasmal is a clear liquid that ranges from water white to a light straw tint. It pours easily, carries a faint oily slip and shows no visible solids or cloudiness when fresh.
Formulators reach for this ingredient often because it bridges gaps between natural jasmine notes and modern clean florals. It fits comfortably into fine fragrance, fabric conditioner and even powder detergent thanks to strong stability in those bases.
When stored in tightly closed, opaque containers away from heat and direct light, Jasmal stays in spec for roughly two years before a quality check is advised. Cost wise it sits in the mid range: not as pricey as grand absolutes yet by no means bargain basement.
Extra points in its favor include vegan suitability and ready biodegradability, both useful for brands that spotlight environmental credentials.
Jasmal’s Scent Description
Perfumers classify Jasmal in the floral family, specifically as a jasmine building block with green nuances.
On a blotter the first impression is a smooth leafy freshness. A gentle herbaceous tone recalls freshly crushed lavender stems, followed by a light oily facet that adds body rather than grease. Within minutes a soft jasmine-tea heart blooms, laced with a subtle mushroom-like earthiness that keeps the floral note natural and rounded.
The molecule sits firmly in the middle-note territory. It appears shortly after the brightest top notes fade, then supports the heart of a composition for several hours before gradually giving way to deeper materials.
Projection is moderate: enough to be noticed without dominating neighboring notes. Longevity on a strip usually reaches six to eight hours, so it lends a durable floral signature without overstaying its welcome.
How & Where To Use Jasmal
Perfumers usually reach for Jasmal when a jasmine accord needs a lift without tipping into heavy indolic territory. It sits neatly between natural absolutes and cleaner synthetic notes, so it can round out a bouquet while keeping costs reasonable. A few drops can also modernise older floral bases by adding a gentle green sheen.
Typical dosages run anywhere from trace amounts up to around 5 percent of the total concentrate, depending on the formula style. In light colognes 0.1-0.5 percent often does the trick, giving a subtle leafy jasmine tone. In richer eau de parfums a level of 1-3 percent helps glue together headspace jasmine materials, lactones and fresh musks. Going above 4-5 percent risks an oily mushroom twist that can feel out of place in sheer florals.
The material shines in fine fragrance, fabric conditioner and liquid detergents where its stability is rated excellent. It performs well in most soaps and body creams too, though very alkaline bars may shave some floral brightness after cure. Powder detergents show very good retention but may need a slightly higher dose to push through the wash.
At low concentration the smell is airy, leafy and almost tea like. As the level rises the herbal and earthy facets gain strength, adding realism in a white floral accord but potentially clashing with bright citrus tops. Overdosing can also dull a composition because the molecule has moderate molecular weight and can sit heavy if packed too tightly.
Prep work is simple. Dilute to 10 percent in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before evaluating on a strip. The ingredient blends smoothly with most solvents, but give the mix a quick stir or gentle warm water bath if any cloudiness appears. Store the working solution in a dark glass bottle and label the strength clearly so you can scale batches with accuracy later.
Safely Using Jasmal
Dilution is key before smelling or skin testing any aroma ingredient. Prepare a low strength solution and never sniff straight from the bottle. Work in a well-ventilated space so vapors do not build up and always use gloves plus safety glasses to keep splashes away from skin and eyes.
Like many synthetics Jasmal can irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergies in some people. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding speak with a healthcare professional before frequent handling. Brief contact with low concentrations is considered safe for most users yet long or repeated exposure to higher levels can cause headaches or dermal issues.
Clean spills right away with absorbent paper then wash the area with soapy water. Dispose of soaked materials in a sealed container before placing them in regular waste according to local rules. Do not pour large amounts down the drain.
Always consult the latest material safety data sheet from your supplier and review it routinely as updates occur. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage levels in each product type to ensure your formula remains within accepted safety limits.
How To Store & Dispose of Jasmal
Jasmal keeps its quality longest when kept away from heat, light and oxygen. A domestic fridge set around 5 °C works well if you have the space, though a cool cupboard free from direct sunlight is usually fine for everyday use. Always let a chilled bottle warm to room temperature before opening to avoid moisture condensing inside.
Select amber glass or tight HDPE bottles fitted with polycone caps. These caps form a snug seal that limits air exchange far better than dropper tops, so the perfume stays fresh and stable. Refill the bottle as it empties or decant into a smaller container so the headspace stays small and oxidation slows down.
Store diluted solutions upright in a tray that will catch any leak. Keep them away from strong acids or bases which could attack the ester and change its smell. Mark every bottle with the name Jasmal, the dilution strength, the date it was made and standard safety icons so no one has to guess what is inside.
Small spills are simple to handle. Blot with paper towels, wash the area with warm soapy water then place the used towels in a sealed bag before regular trash. The molecule is readily biodegradable so trace rinse water can usually go down the drain, but check local rules first.
Leftover concentrate or large batches should go to a licensed chemical disposal site or be taken back by your supplier. Never pour big volumes into sinks or outdoor soil. Rinse empty bottles three times, let them dry with the caps off then recycle or dispose of them as directed in your area.
Summary
Jasmal is a man-made aroma ingredient from IFF that offers a smooth leafy jasmine note touched with herbs and a light earthy twist. It bridges the gap between costly natural absolutes and very clean synthetics so it appears in fine fragrance, fabric care and soap where a realistic floral heart is needed.
The liquid is stable in most bases, holds up well during wash cycles and carries a mid-range price tag which keeps budgets in check. Its scent is clear and specific though, so watch the dose or the composition can lean oily or mushroomy.
Formulators value its good shelf life, vegan status and ready biodegradability which all support greener brand stories. Commercial buyers can source it straight from IFF or bulk distributors while hobbyists can find smaller packs from specialty perfume suppliers and generic producers that match the original spec.