What Is Tridecene-2-Nitrile?
Tridecene-2-Nitrile is an aroma chemical created to bring a vivid citrus lift to fragrances. Givaudan first introduced it, yet other ingredient houses often sell their own versions under alternative trade names. The molecule belongs to the nitrile family, built on a 13-carbon chain that holds a single nitrile group.
Commercial production starts with a tridecene backbone obtained from petrochemical streams or partly renewable feedstocks. Through a straightforward catalytic reaction the nitrile group is attached, followed by careful distillation to reach perfume-grade purity. The result is a clear watery liquid that stays mobile even in a cool studio.
Perfumers reach for this material when they want a powerful burst of tangerine at low cost. It is considered a workhorse rather than a luxury speciality so pricing is generally friendly to large-scale use. Most suppliers recommend using it within two to three years for peak freshness although, when stored well, it often performs perfectly beyond that window.
Because its odour strength is high, only trace amounts are needed in many blends. This efficiency keeps inventory turnover low and makes the ingredient a regular sight on compounding benches from fine fragrance labs to soap factories.
Tridecene-2-Nitrile’s Scent Description
This material sits comfortably in the citrus family. On a smelling strip it opens with an assertive burst of juicy tangerine that feels slightly sweet and slightly sour at the same time. A subtle green edge suggests freshly crushed coriander leaf while an airy aldehydic sparkle gives lift and brightness. Underneath, a faint waxy warmth keeps the profile from becoming thin or sharp.
The character appears almost instantly after application which classifies it as a top note. It does not disappear as quickly as many other citrus molecules though; a whisper of the tangerine nuance is still detectable several hours later, blending into the heart of the composition.
Projection is pronounced in the first hour making it excellent for adding initial impact to sprays and room fragrances. Longevity on skin is moderate but on fabric or paper it can cling for days which is why it shows up in detergents and candles where extended freshness is prized.
How & Where To Use Tridecene-2-Nitrile
Perfumers reach for Tridecene-2-Nitrile when they want a sparkling citrus lift that lasts longer than most natural peel oils. It shines in the top of a fragrance yet keeps a gentle pulse through the heart, making it ideal for tangerine accords, modern aldehydic bouquets and fresh coriander twists.
In fine fragrance a trace of 0.05-0.3 % is often enough to brighten colognes, fruity florals or clean musks. Soap and detergent formulas can tolerate a little more, up to around 0.5 %, to make sure the citrus edge survives curing, high pH and hot wash cycles. Room sprays and reed diffusers usually sit in the middle of that range because diffusion is quick and the note needs staying power.
At very low concentration the material smells juicy and zesty. Push the dose higher and an aldehydic, almost waxy effect starts to dominate which can feel oily if unbalanced. Beyond 0.5 % the note may crowd lighter facets and give a harsh metallic glare so careful dosing is key.
Tridecene-2-Nitrile loves partnering with other citruses such as limonene, mandarin oil or grapefruit aromachemicals. It also bridges nicely into green herbs, rosé oxides and light white florals. It can clash with heavy animalic bases or dark resins that drown its brightness, although a tiny accent can still cut through and add lift.
Before weighing the raw material most perfumers prepare a 10 % solution in ethanol, TEC or DPG to make pipetting easier and reduce the risk of overdosing. Because its odour strength is high you may want a 1 % bench dilution for detailed trials. The liquid mixes well with common solvents and remains clear so no special emulsifiers are needed.
If you plan to candle test, note that the ingredient performs well during burn but can volatilise quickly during hot pour. Add it at a slightly cooler wax temperature and cap finished candles promptly to trap the top notes.
Safely Using Tridecene-2-Nitrile
Dilution is key when working with any aroma chemical. Always dilute Tridecene-2-Nitrile before smelling to avoid overwhelming your nose. Never sniff straight from the bottle because concentrated vapours can irritate airways. Work in a well-ventilated space and turn on the fume hood or open windows when handling larger batches.
Protective gear matters. Wear nitrile gloves so the liquid does not touch your skin and slip on safety glasses to guard against splashes. Even though the material is readily biodegradable it is classed as toxic to aquatic life, so prevent spills and wipe down benches after use.
Some people experience skin irritation or sensitisation from repeated contact with aroma chemicals. If you notice redness stop using the material and seek medical advice. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before formulating with this ingredient.
Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally considered safe, yet breathing high levels of vapour for extended periods can cause headaches or nausea. Keep container lids closed when not in use and store any dilutions in clearly labelled bottles to prevent mix-ups.
Always review the latest safety data sheet supplied by your distributor as information can change with new research. Check IFRA guidelines for the product class you are working on and keep your total level within their recommended limits to ensure consumer safety.
How To Store & Dispose of Tridecene-2-Nitrile
Tridecene-2-Nitrile keeps its punchiest citrus sparkle when you guard it from heat, light and oxygen. A refrigerator set around 5-10 °C is ideal if you have the space, though a cool cupboard away from radiators or sunny windows usually works well. Whatever spot you choose make sure the bottle sits upright and tightly closed.
Polycone caps are worth the small extra cost because their conical liner forms a tight seal that limits evaporation and keeps air out. Dropper bottles seldom close firmly enough and can let the aldehydic notes leak or oxidise, so reserve them for short-term skin tests only. Top up partially used bottles with inert gas or transfer the remainder to a smaller vial so the headspace stays minimal.
Label everything the moment you decant. Write the full name, CAS number, dilution strength, date and any hazard symbols. Clear labels prevent mix-ups and help anyone sharing your lab know what PPE to wear before opening the jar.
For disposal treat the material with respect despite its ready biodegradability. Small lab quantities can be absorbed onto paper towels or vermiculite, sealed in a polyethylene bag then placed in the solvent waste stream your local regulations specify. Never tip leftovers into sinks because the ingredient is toxic to aquatic life even at low levels.
Larger batches should go to a licensed chemical waste contractor. Rinse empty bottles with a little solvent, add the rinse to your waste drum and deface the original label before recycling the glass. Keeping waste segregated by hazard class helps the disposal company process it safely and may cut your fees.
Summary
Tridecene-2-Nitrile is a Givaudan citrus molecule known for its vivid tangerine peel flash backed by an aldehydic fizz. Used in traces up to half a percent it lifts colognes, shampoos, soaps and detergents while hanging on for days rather than minutes.
Perfumers like it because it bridges the gap between volatile natural citruses and longer-lasting synthetic bases. Stability at high pH, strong burn performance and mid-range pricing all add to its appeal though the note is specific so overdosing can turn waxy or metallic.
Keep bottles cool, filled and tightly capped to preserve freshness and follow basic PPE since the raw liquid can irritate skin and is harmful to waterways. Disposal is straightforward when you funnel residues into your solvent waste stream and avoid the drain.
Commercial houses can source original material directly from Givaudan. Hobbyists and small-scale brands will find smaller packs from speciality retailers or generic equivalents that match the CAS number. Whichever route you choose this crisp citrus accent offers a cost-effective way to keep top notes sparkling right through the drydown.