What Is Peonile?
Peonile is a synthetic aroma material prized for its fresh geranium-rosy character. The molecule is supplied under the trademark Peonile by Givaudan, although several fragrance houses offer equivalent grades under generic names.
Chemically it is known as 2-Cyclohexylidene-2-phenylacetonitrile, a mouthful that perfumers usually shorten to Peonile. Whatever the trade name the substance can always be identified by its unique CAS number 10461-98-0.
The material is produced through controlled chemical synthesis that yields a colorless to very pale yellow liquid. No natural counterpart exists which makes consistent lab production the only commercial route.
Formulators reach for Peonile in both fine fragrance and functional products because of its power, stability and wash-fastness. It is common in modern rose, muguet or grapefruit accords and frequently anchors fabric-care perfumes where long-lasting freshness is required.
The ingredient is generally considered mid-priced: not so costly that it is reserved for luxury perfumes yet valuable enough that it is dosed with care. Properly stored in a cool dark place and kept tightly closed it remains in good condition for at least two years, often longer.
Peonile’s Scent Description
Peonile sits squarely in the floral family, specifically the rosy geranium subgroup with a refreshing citrus twist.
On a blotter the first impression is a bright grapefruit sparkle that quickly reveals a dewy rose-geranium core. Behind the floral heart lies a gentle green leaf nuance that keeps the profile airy and crisp rather than heavy or sweet.
In the classical top-middle-base scheme Peonile behaves as a long-lasting middle note that shades into the base. Its low volatility means the fresh floral scent clings to paper and fabric for many hours, often days, and on standard blotter tests it can still be detected after a month.
Projection is moderate to strong so a small dose can lift a bouquet without overwhelming delicate notes. The extended longevity and linear character make it a reliable backbone for floral, fougère and hesperidic compositions where enduring freshness is desired.
How & Where To Use Peonile
Perfumers pull out Peonile when a composition needs a clear, long lasting rose-geranium lift that will not turn sour or powdery over time. It slips easily into modern rose bouquets, brightens muguet accords and adds bite to grapefruit or rhubarb themes. In fougère work a hint of Peonile freshens the floral heart while helping lavender and oakmoss feel cleaner. Citrus colognes also benefit; a trace supports bergamot and pink grapefruit then quietly stays on skin long after the top notes fade.
Substantivity and wash-fastness make Peonile a star in functional fragrance. Fabric softeners, detergents, candles and reed diffusers all exploit its month-long staying power. Soap makers like the tenacity yet should know that bloom in bar soap is only moderate, so pairing with a more volatile rose material (like Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol) keeps the opening lively.
Typical usage in fine fragrance ranges from 0.1 % for subtle lift to around 3 % when Peonile is the main floral driver. Functional products tolerate higher levels; detergents or boosters often run 5-10 %. At low concentration the note feels almost grapefruit-petal fresh. Push it above roughly 4 % in a perfume concentrate and the rosy aspect grows darker and slightly metallic which can swamp delicate top notes. Over-dosing may also create a persistent phantom smell in the laboratory that masks later evaluations.
No special predilution is required; a 10 % solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol gives easy handling and more accurate weighing. The molecule is stable in both acidic and basic bases so it can be added early during compounding without fear of loss. Viscosity is low enough to pipette yet the liquid is oily, so wipe tools carefully to avoid cross-contamination.
Because Peonile clings to glass, dedicated droppers or single-use pipette tips help maintain formula accuracy. Store stock in amber glass with a Teflon-lined cap to keep air out and the fresh floral profile intact.
Safely Using Peonile
Dilution is key; always weigh or smell Peonile as a solution rather than neat. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle since its power can overwhelm the nose. Work in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood to prevent inhaling concentrated vapour. Gloves and safety glasses protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
Like many aroma chemicals Peonile may cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. If you notice redness, itching or respiratory discomfort stop work and seek medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before prolonged handling. Short encounters with low level test blotters are generally regarded as safe but extended exposure to high concentrations can pose risks to skin and lungs.
Clean spills with absorbent paper then wash the area with soapy water, disposing of waste in accordance with local regulations. Never pour leftovers down the drain; collect them in a sealed container for chemical disposal.
Always read the latest Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and revisit it regularly since classifications can change. Follow International Fragrance Association guidelines for maximum finished product levels to ensure your formulas remain safe and compliant.
How To Store & Dispose of Peonile
Peonile stays in best condition when kept cool and out of light. A normal air-conditioned storeroom works, but a dedicated fragrance fridge stretches shelf life further. Keep the bottle away from heaters, windows or any spot where temperature swings are common.
Use amber glass fitted with a tight polycone cap. These caps grip the neck and limit air exchange far better than dropper tops, which tend to leak and let oxygen creep in. If you prepare dilutions, choose small bottles so you can fill them close to the brim and cut down the headspace that drives oxidation.
Wipe the threads before closing and add a strip of PTFE tape for long storage. Always mark each container with the name, CAS number, date opened and basic hazard symbols so anyone in the workspace knows what is inside at a glance.
Because Peonile is classed as non-biodegradable and toxic to aquatic life, never rinse leftovers into the sink. Collect unused liquid in a sealed HDPE or metal canister and hand it to a licensed hazardous waste handler. Soaked blotters and paper towels should dry in a fume hood, then go into a sealed bag before they hit the solid chemical waste bin. Empty rinsed bottles can follow local glass recycling rules only after they have aired out and no smell remains.
Summary
Peonile is a lab-made floral ingredient with a bright mix of rose geranium and grapefruit freshness that behaves like a long-lasting middle note. Perfumers value it for the way it lifts bouquets, cleans up fougères and anchors fabric care blends while surviving tough wash cycles.
The molecule offers high power, rock-solid stability and a moderate price tag, though its clear rosy tone can dominate if overdosed. It handles a wide pH range, needs no special solvents and keeps its scent for more than a month on blotters, making it one of the workhorses in modern fragrance labs.
Commercial buyers can source Peonile straight from Givaudan or authorized distributors in kilogram drums. Hobbyists and indie brands usually pick up smaller amounts from specialty aroma shops or generic suppliers that stock the same CAS number.
Store it cool and airtight, measure sparingly and dispose of waste responsibly and Peonile will reward you with crisp floral freshness wherever you choose to use it.