What Is Linalyl Propionate?
Linalyl Propionate is an aroma chemical created to bring a modern twist to classic bergamot-lavender accords. The material was introduced by Givaudan, one of the largest suppliers of fragrance raw materials, although you will also find comparable grades from other producers under its CAS number 144-39-8.
At room temperature the ingredient appears as a clear, colourless liquid with a light viscosity similar to many common essential oil fractions. It belongs to the family of esters, produced by reacting linalool with propionic acid in a straightforward synthesis that keeps production costs relatively modest. Because the process is simple the material is widely available, which helps keep its price in the mid to low range for perfumery ingredients.
Linalyl Propionate’s clean yet fruity twist on lavender makes it a popular building block in functional fragrances such as fabric softeners, shampoos and soaps. It is also used in fine fragrance when a perfumer wants extra lift and sparkle in citrus aromatic styles. Thanks to its good chemical stability the material typically carries a shelf life of around two years when stored correctly, sometimes longer if the container remains unopened and away from heat and light.
The ingredient enjoys frequent use in both mass-market and premium applications because it offers a reliable fresh profile, plays well with other raw materials and maintains its character across a wide pH range. All of this makes Linalyl Propionate a staple in many fragrance laboratories.
Linalyl Propionate’s Scent Description
Perfumers generally place Linalyl Propionate in the herbal family, sitting close to lavender and bergamot notes but with a noticeable fruity edge. Off a blotter the opening is bright and leafy, reminiscent of fresh lavender sprigs crushed together with the zest of a just-peeled bergamot. Within seconds a soft pear-like juiciness comes forward, adding a playful sweetness that sets it apart from the better-known Linalyl Acetate. As the material begins to settle a gentle green facet surfaces, evoking the clean snap of an herb stalk.
In the traditional fragrance pyramid the material behaves as a top to upper-middle note. It flashes quickly in the first few minutes then lingers long enough to bridge into the heart of a composition, helping pull floral or aromatic elements upward. On a blotter its detectable life is roughly three hours, which is long for a top note yet short enough that it never drags the fragrance down.
Projection is lively during the first hour, giving a crisp aura that can lift heavier accords around it. Once the fruity sparkle fades the remaining herbal tone sits closer to the paper or skin. While not built for deep endurance, the material’s clean diffusion makes it an excellent tool for delivering an immediate sense of freshness that invites repeat smelling.
How & Where To Use Linalyl Propionate
Perfumers reach for Linalyl Propionate when a clean lavender-bergamot lift is needed yet standard Linalyl Acetate feels too floral or lacks sparkle. The material excels in fougère, aromatic citrus, modern colognes and any composition that aims for a fresh herbaceous opening with a soft fruity twist.
At very low levels below 0.2 % it behaves almost like a modifier, smoothing harsh terpenic citruses and rounding sharp lavender. Between 0.5 % and 2 % the fruity pear nuance blooms giving soaps, shampoos and body sprays an inviting juicy edge. Push it toward 5 % in a fine fragrance and it can sit as a recognisable top-mid note bridging bergamot, petitgrain and transparent musks.
Givaudan lists a functional use window of 1 % to 10 %. In practice most perfumers stay under 3 % in fine fragrance, closer to 5 % in detergent or bar soap where alkaline conditions demand more impact. Above those levels the material can flatten a formula, muting delicate florals and creating an unnatural gummy sweetness.
Its excellent stability in high pH makes it a hero for bar soap, powder detergent and hard surface cleaners. It also shines in fabric conditioners where its fruity facet pairs beautifully with coumarin and heliotropin. Less success has been reported in heavy oriental bases or rich gourmand accords where the herbal clarity can feel out of place.
Linalyl Propionate blends effortlessly into alcohol, triethyl citrate and most common solvent systems. Pre-diluting to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol gives finer dosing control and makes blotter evaluation easier. The material is not especially volatile yet weighing should still be done quickly with the cap replaced promptly to avoid aroma shift from air exposure.
If the brief calls for extra longevity couple it with allyl amyl glycolate or hedione to extend the fresh impression. For deeper lavender facets combine with lavandin oil or cis-3-hexenyl salicylate. When a fruity highlight is desired pair it with aldehyde C-18 or ethyl 2-methyl butyrate.
Risks of over-use include a rubbery dry-down and unwanted sweetness in citrus colognes. Always build in stages, smelling on blotter and skin after each addition. A quick pH-stability check is advised for detergent applications even though the ingredient usually performs well.
Safely Using Linalyl Propionate
Dilution is key. Always prepare a 10 % or weaker solution before evaluation. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle to prevent nasal fatigue and potential irritation. Work with the material in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood to minimise inhalation of concentrated vapour. Protective gloves and safety glasses should be standard practice to keep skin and eyes safe.
Linalyl Propionate is generally regarded as readily biodegradable yet it is classified as toxic to aquatic life so spills must be contained carefully. On skin some users may experience irritation or sensitisation especially at higher concentrations. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before prolonged handling.
Short-term exposure to low levels is considered low risk while repeated or high-level exposure can lead to headaches, dizziness or dermatitis. Wash hands after use, keep food and drink away from the workstation and never pipette by mouth.
Store the material in a tightly sealed amber glass bottle in a cool dry place away from direct light. Oxygen scavenger packets can help preserve freshness. Dispose of waste solutions through a licensed chemical disposal service rather than pouring them down the drain.
Regulations evolve so always consult the most recent Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and review it periodically for updates. Follow the current IFRA guidelines for maximum allowable levels in each product category to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Linalyl Propionate
Keep the material in a cool dark spot away from heaters or sunny windows. A dedicated fragrance fridge set around 4-8 °C will slow oxidation and extend shelf life but is not essential if room temperature stays stable.
Use amber glass bottles with tight polycone caps to create the best seal. Dropper bottles let in air and can leak so save those for short term blends only. Top up containers or transfer leftovers to smaller bottles so there is as little headspace as possible.
Label every bottle clearly with the name Linalyl Propionate its CAS number 144-39-8 date of opening and any hazard icons. Quick reference notes make stock checks faster and help anyone else in the workspace handle it safely.
Store dilutions the same way. A 10 % solution in ethanol or DPG belongs in a sealed bottle away from spark sources. Wipe threads before capping to stop build-up that can glue the lid shut.
Though the ingredient is readily biodegradable it is also toxic to aquatic life so never wash waste down the drain. For small quantities soak spills into sand or cat litter seal in a sturdy bag then place in the hazardous waste bin. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical disposal service that can treat aromatic esters.
Rinse empty bottles with solvent collect the rinse in your waste drum and let the glass dry before recycling if local rules allow. Keep the workspace tidy and you will cut both safety risks and product loss.
Summary
Linalyl Propionate is a Givaudan-developed ester that adds a modern twist to the classic bergamot lavender duo. It smells clean herbal and gently fruity with a soft pear touch that lifts top and heart notes without turning soapy.
Perfumers value it in fougère colognes soaps and fabric care for its bright yet smooth profile and for its strong performance in high pH bases. Costs sit in the mid range making it an easy add when budgets are tight but quality still matters.
The molecule is stable blends well and stays fresh for hours on skin yet its impact fades by the dry-down so it works best as a supportive accent. Watch the dose as too much can dull delicate florals or leave a rubbery echo.
Commercial houses can source it in bulk straight from Givaudan or through large aroma distributors. Hobbyists will find smaller decants and generic equivalents at online perfume supply shops and specialty resellers making this versatile freshener accessible to every scale of creation.