What Is Tridecene-2-Nitrile?
Tridecene-2-Nitrile is an aroma chemical first brought to the fragrance market in the mid 1970s when chemists were exploring new nitrile molecules for bright top notes. It is produced through a straightforward petrochemical route: a fraction of C13 hydrocarbons is selectively reacted to introduce a double bond at the second carbon, then treated with a cyanide source to form the nitrile group. The result is a clear, water-thin liquid that looks much like a light carrier solvent yet packs a notable olfactive punch.
The material is entirely synthetic, so it is not extracted from any plant or fruit. This gives perfumers a dependable supply chain that is not tied to harvest cycles or climate shifts. Manufacturing relies on standard solvents and uncomplicated processing, which keeps production costs reasonable and the ingredient broadly accessible to both large fragrance houses and smaller artisan blenders.
Formulators appreciate its high stability and long shelf life, which means it can sit on a lab bench for months without losing strength. While it is not as universally used as staples like linalool or limonene, it features prominently in modern citrus accords, functional products such as soaps and detergents, and specialty fine fragrances that need an extra sparkling lift. Overall it is considered a mid-priced workhorse rather than a luxury raw material.
What Does Tridecene-2-Nitrile Smell Like?
This ingredient sits squarely in the citrus family. Off a blotter it opens with an immediate burst reminiscent of freshly zested tangerine, bright and juicy. Within seconds a clean aldehydic sheen appears, giving the note a fizzy, almost champagne-like sparkle. As the initial rush settles, a subtle touch of green coriander leaf peeks through, adding freshness and keeping the profile from feeling overly sweet. The overall impression remains crisp, uplifting and distinctly modern.
In the classic fragrance pyramid the molecule behaves almost entirely as a top note. It makes its presence known in the first moments of application, setting the stage for the heart of the perfume. Despite this top-heavy role, its molecular weight and low vapor pressure allow it to linger longer than many typical citrus materials. On skin or fabric it projects strongly for the first hour, then quietly hums along for several more. On a paper blotter the drydown can still be detected after a week, which is exceptional for a citrus character.
Projection is confident without being overwhelming, making it ideal for both fine fragrance and functional products that need noticeable yet friendly freshness. When blended with other ingredients it enhances diffusion, pulling lighter notes forward while adding a clean shimmer to the overall composition.
How & Where To Use Tridecene-2-Nitrile
Perfumers generally find this one a pleasure to handle. It pours easily, stays crystal clear and does not cling to glassware the way some stickier top notes do. That makes weighing, pipetting and cleaning up refreshingly simple.
In a formula Tridecene-2-Nitrile excels as the opening sparkle in citrus accords. A few drops will lift orange, mandarin or grapefruit notes, giving them a convincing zesty peel effect with an airy aldehydic fizz. It is often paired with materials like aldehyde C-12 MNA or methyl pamplemousse to create a modern tangerine soda vibe, or with coriander seed oil and petitgrain for a more herbal take. When a perfumer wants extra brightness yet still needs tenacity this molecule is chosen over lighter terpenes such as limonene that flash off in minutes.
Applications stretch well beyond fine fragrance. The ingredient shines in soaps, liquid detergents and dish liquids where its bloom through lather is rated top tier. In fabric care it survives the wash cycle enough to leave a clean citrus whiff on towels. Air care formats like candles and reed diffusers also benefit since it burns evenly without producing harsh off-notes. The only weak spot is very high pH bleach systems, where its citrus facet can thin out if dosage is too low.
Typical use levels sit between traces and 0.5 % for most functional products, edging up to 1 % in a fine fragrance top accord if an intense tangerine signature is desired. At low concentrations the note feels sheer and sparkling. Push it higher and the aldehydic aspect becomes louder, which can read slightly soapy or metallic, so balancing with sweeter citrus esters is advised.
Prep work is straightforward. Because of its strength most labs pre-dilute to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before weighing into trials. This not only aids accuracy but also keeps the heavy citrus punch from overwhelming the evaluator’s nose during blotter testing.
Safety Information
Although Tridecene-2-Nitrile is considered user friendly certain precautions and considerations should be observed when handling any concentrated aroma chemical.
- Dilute before evaluation: Always make a working solution in a suitable solvent to reduce potency and obtain a truer impression of the odour profile.
- Avoid direct smelling: Never sniff straight from the bottle, instead waft the scent from a blotter or smelling strip toward the nose.
- Ensure good ventilation: Work in a fume hood or well ventilated space to prevent inhaling high vapour concentrations.
- Wear protective gear: Use nitrile gloves and safety glasses to keep the liquid away from skin and eyes.
- Health considerations: Some individuals may experience irritation or sensitisation, brief low-level exposure is generally safe but prolonged or high-level contact can be harmful, consult a physician before use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
For complete assurance always review the current Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor, check it periodically for updates and follow any usage limits set by the International Fragrance Association to keep your formulations both creative and compliant.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in optimal conditions Tridecene-2-Nitrile typically stays fresh for at least three to four years before any noticeable drop in strength or clarity. Some perfumers report five years of reliable performance when the bottle is rarely opened and the material is kept cool.
Refrigeration is not essential but does give the molecule an extra buffer against oxidation. If fridge space is limited a simple cool cupboard works well, provided the ingredient is protected from direct sunlight and fluctuating heat. Always wipe the neck of the bottle after use and close it immediately to minimise air exchange.
For both neat material and dilutions choose bottles with polycone caps. The compressible liner forms a tight seal that outperforms droppers or pipette tops which allow slow evaporation and oxygen ingress. Aim to store liquids in the smallest container that will comfortably hold them so the headspace remains minimal.
Keep dilutions at working strength, label each container with the chemical name, concentration, batch number and the hazard pictograms noted on the supplier safety sheet. Clear labels prevent mix-ups during busy blending sessions and help anyone in the studio identify risks at a glance.
Small spills can be soaked up with paper towel and disposed of in a sealed bag with general waste. For end-of-life disposal the material is readily biodegradable yet rated toxic to aquatic organisms, so do not pour concentrated liquid down the drain. Collect unwanted stock in a dedicated waste bottle and hand it to a licensed chemical disposal service. Rinse empty glassware with a little solvent, add the rinse to the waste container and wash the vessel with warm detergent water.
Summary
Tridecene-2-Nitrile is a synthetic citrus booster that smells like sparkling tangerine with an aldehydic fizz and a dash of green coriander. It jumps out of a formula, stays present longer than most top notes and pairs effortlessly with other fruits, herbs or light florals. From soaps to fine fragrance it brings instant brightness and impressive tenacity, making it a fun tool for both seasoned noses and hobby blenders.
The molecule enjoys moderate cost, simple processing and good stability, though you still need to guard against oxidation by capping tightly and keeping bottles full. Dose it with a light hand, usually under half a percent, to avoid metallic edges and let its cheerful peel effect shine. Given its versatility and dependable performance it remains a popular choice whenever a composition needs an energetic citrus lift.