What Is Quintone?
Quintone is an aroma chemical used by perfumers to add a realistic jasmine twist to floral blends. It was developed by the Swiss fragrance house Givaudan, though other suppliers now offer the same molecule under its chemical name or as a generic grade.
You may see it listed as 2-Pentyl-1-cyclopentanone. The name looks daunting but the CAS number 4819-67-4 is a sure way to confirm you have the right material no matter who sells it.
At room temperature Quintone is a clear mobile liquid with no noticeable color. It is typically supplied in small sealed containers to protect it from air and light.
The molecule is produced through controlled chemical synthesis carried out under industrial quality standards. Details of the reaction steps are proprietary yet the outcome is a high-purity fragrance ingredient ready for blending.
Quintone is not as common as basic floral materials like linalool or geraniol but it shows up in many modern jasmine accords and in niche green florals. Because a little delivers a strong effect it is usually used at low levels.
When stored in a cool dark place the material keeps its quality for roughly three to four years before a fresh batch is recommended. Pricewise it sits in the mid range for synthetic florals making it accessible for both fine fragrance and functional products.
Quintone’s Scent Description
Perfumers group Quintone in the floral family.
On a blotter the first impression is a bright true-to-nature jasmine petal. Within seconds an aromatic edge appears reminiscent of crushed fennel seed giving the note extra lift and a mild green touch. As it settles a soft leafy nuance joins in preventing the jasmine tone from feeling sweet or heavy.
In the classic top, middle and base note framework Quintone behaves as a solid middle note. It rises quickly but does not vanish with the opening materials and can still be detected after several hours especially on porous surfaces.
The projection is moderate so it supports rather than overpowers surrounding notes. Longevity is good for a floral ingredient allowing the jasmine theme to remain present well into the drydown.
How & Where To Use Quintone
Quintone earns its place in a formula when the brief calls for a vivid jasmine heart with a slightly edgy aromatic twist. It slips easily into classical jasmine accords, modern white floral bouquets and even leafy green fragrances where a floral accent is needed without adding sweetness. Think of it as a bridge between pure floral notes and spicy herbal materials such as basil or anise.
Perfumers reach for Quintone when standard jasmine bases feel flat or syrupy. A touch of its fennel nuance injects lift while the cyclopentanone core brings smooth diffusion. The result is a jasmine that feels garden-fresh rather than oily. It also pairs well with hedione, cis-jasmone, muguet molecules and light musks to extend bloom.
The recommended use level tops out at around 2 percent of the finished concentrate yet most fine fragrance work is done between traces and 0.5 percent. At 0.05 percent it reads as pure petal. Push it closer to 1 percent and the aromatic fennel tone starts to announce itself which can be perfect in green chypres or fougères. Beyond 2 percent the note can turn sharp and distort surrounding florals so moderation is key.
Functional products are a good playground for Quintone because it withstands alkaline and acidic systems. It shows strong bloom in soap bars and holds up in bleach-free detergents. In candles it survives heat well and imparts a clear jasmine throw. One weak spot is high-temperature fabric softener spraying lines where prolonged exposure can mute its impact.
No special activation or pre-reaction is needed. Simply weigh the material then dilute to 10 percent in ethanol, dipropylene glycol or triethyl citrate for easier dosing and safer evaluation. The molecule is hydrophobic so avoid adding it neat to water phases. If working with a large batch consider a nitrogen blanket to cut down on oxidation.
As with most potent florals the main risk is over-use. Too much will clutter the mid-note band and can create a medicinal facet. Always build increments slowly, smell on blotter and skin, then allow at least an hour before deciding to add more.
Safely Using Quintone
Dilution is key. Always prepare a 10 percent or lower solution before smelling. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle to prevent overwhelming the nose. Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to keep airborne concentration low. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to protect skin and eyes from splashes.
Quintone is classed as readily biodegradable but can be harmful to aquatic life at high levels so spills should be contained and wiped with inert absorbent material. Direct skin contact can provoke irritation in sensitive individuals and any aroma chemical carries a small chance of triggering allergic reactions.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a medical professional before prolonged work with fragrance ingredients. Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally considered safe yet high doses or extended inhalation may cause headaches or respiratory discomfort.
Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dark place ideally below 20 °C. Keep away from strong acids, bases and oxidizers. When the material is past its recommended shelf life dispose of it as chemical waste according to local regulations rather than pouring it down the drain.
Always review the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check it periodically for updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage levels in each product category to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Quintone
Quintone keeps its brightness best when oxygen and light are kept out. A standard cool dark cupboard away from radiators does the job but sliding the bottle into the refrigerator adds an extra layer of protection and can stretch the shelf life toward the five-year mark. If you chill it, let the bottle reach room temperature before opening to prevent moisture from condensing inside.
Use bottles that seal tightly. Polycone caps create a snug barrier that beats ordinary droppers so reserve eye-dropper bottles for brief evaluations only. Topping up containers after each production run also helps by pushing out headspace air that would otherwise spark oxidation.
Store concentrates and dilutions separately and label every vessel with the material name, dilution strength, date and hazard icons. A clear label saves time during blending and avoids accidental misuse.
If a spill happens soak it up with sand or paper towels then place the waste in a sealable plastic bag before disposal. Quintone is readily biodegradable yet it can harm aquatic life at high doses so do not pour leftovers down the sink. Small hobbyist quantities can go into the household chemical collection point. Larger volumes should be handed to a licensed waste contractor who will incinerate or treat it according to local rules.
Rinse empty bottles with a bit of solvent, let them air out in a safe spot then recycle the glass if your community program accepts solvent-washed containers. Cap and discard plastic closures as regular waste unless your recycling center says otherwise.
Summary
Quintone is a Givaudan-created aroma chemical that delivers a vivid jasmine heart backed by a subtle fennel twist. It fills the middle note slot, brings lift to white florals and adds a green aromatic glow to modern blends.
Perfumers value it for its clear floral impact, solid stability in both acidic and alkaline products and friendly price point compared with some specialty jasmine molecules. The note is precise so using it in moderation is key; too much can tip the harmony toward sharpness.
Its decent shelf life and good performance in soap and candles make it a staple in many labs. Keep it cool, protect it from air and your stock will stay fresh for years.
Commercial houses can source Quintone in bulk directly from Givaudan or qualified distributors. Hobbyists and indie brands will find smaller bottles through fragrance supply shops and online resellers that offer generic grades under the CAS number 4819-67-4. Whichever route you choose, secure storage, careful dosing and proper disposal will let you enjoy this versatile jasmine booster with confidence.