What Is Undecatriene?
Undecatriene is a specialty aroma chemical prized for its lively green character. It is supplied by the Swiss fragrance house Givaudan, although a few smaller suppliers offer generic versions made to the same purity standard. The material is created through selective catalytic reactions that stitch together an eleven-carbon chain and introduce three isolated double bonds. This process happens on an industrial scale, so quality is consistent from batch to batch.
At room temperature the ingredient is a clear mobile liquid that looks much like water yet carries a distinctly vegetal scent. It is not a bulk workhorse like linalool or limonene but it turns up in many fine fragrance and functional fragrance briefs whenever a perfumer needs a sharp naturalistic green accent. Because usage levels rarely exceed a fraction of a percent a kilo tends to stretch a long way, keeping the cost per finished formula low even though the material itself sits in the mid-priced bracket.
Shelf life is roughly two to three years when the drum is kept tightly closed, filled with a little inert gas and stored away from heat and light. Over time the double bonds can oxidise which dulls the vivid green notes, so most labs rebuy fresh stock rather than rely on an open container that has been around for years.
Undecatriene’s Scent Description
Perfumers classify Undecatriene in the green family. Off a paper blotter it opens with the snap of crushed leaves and freshly cut stems, soon revealing an almost metallic flash reminiscent of split tomato vine. Within seconds a soft galbanum nuance emerges adding depth and a subtle resinous bite. As the minutes pass an airy herbal facet surfaces that keeps the profile crisp instead of earthy.
The molecule behaves like a classic top to early-heart note. It makes an immediate entrance then lingers just long enough to bridge into the middle of the composition before fading. On skin or fabric the green impression is bright for about fifteen minutes then recedes, yet trace nuances can still be detected for an hour or two if you sniff close.
Projection is high at first so even tiny doses radiate well from the wearer, which explains why perfumers treat it with a light hand. Longevity is moderate compared with heavier materials: you will notice the ingredient early in a spray but it politely steps back as richer heart notes start to speak.
How & Where To Use Undecatriene
Perfume makers reach for Undecatriene when they want a flash of authentic green that feels like crushed leaves rather than sweet apple or mint. It excels in top and early heart accords, pairing especially well with galbanum resin, cis-3-hexenol, violet leaf and peppery aromatics. A trace can also brighten floral bouquets where rose or jasmine risk smelling too heavy.
Typical inclusion sits between 0.01 % and 0.5 % of the total concentrate. Givaudan lists an upper limit of 1 % for special effects though many perfumers stay under 0.3 % to keep the note natural. Above 0.5 % its metallic edge grows dominant and can push a blend into harsh territory, so moderation is vital.
At very low levels Undecatriene gives the impression of dewy stems and morning garden air. Increase the dosage and the character turns more galbanum-like with a noticeable bite. Overuse can mask subtler notes, clash with delicate fruits or create an unpleasant oily facet that lingers on fabric.
The material shines in green chypres, modern fougères, vegetal soliflores and niche concept scents built around tomato leaf or cannabis themes. It is less at home in gourmand or heavy oriental styles where its freshness can feel out of place unless carefully balanced.
Soaps, shampoos and fabric conditioners benefit from its excellent bloom and damp substantivity. Candles and incense see little payoff as the molecule burns off quickly, giving only a faint start-up note. In reed diffusers it works if anchored with longer-lasting greens like styrallyl acetate.
No special pre-treatment is needed beyond a simple 10 % dipropylene glycol or ethanol dilution for ease of dosing. The neat liquid is slippery and can creep along glassware so wipe pipettes after use to avoid cross contamination. Store a working solution in amber glass for quick access and leave the bulk stock sealed to slow oxidation.
Safely Using Undecatriene
Dilution comes first. Prepare a 1 % or 10 % solution before evaluating the scent to prevent nasal overload. Avoid smelling straight from the bottle; instead waft the diluted strip toward your nose. Work near an extractor fan or an open window so vapors disperse quickly.
Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses whenever handling the neat material. Although Undecatriene is not highly volatile its hydrocarbon nature means splashes can irritate skin and eyes. The gloves also stop the persistent green smell from lingering on your hands.
Like many perfume raw materials it may trigger irritation or sensitisation in some users. If you notice redness or discomfort wash the area with mild soap and water and discontinue contact. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before routine exposure.
Short sniffs of diluted Undecatriene are generally considered safe yet prolonged or repeated handling at higher concentrations can pose risks. Keep containers closed when not in use and label all dilutions clearly so others in the workspace know what they contain.
Clean up drips with paper towel and dispose of the waste in a sealed bag. Never pour surplus concentrate down the sink; collect it in a dedicated solvent waste bottle for professional disposal. If a spill occurs on the bench wipe the area with ethanol then wash with soapy water.
For the most current hazard data always study the supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet and review updates periodically. Finally make sure your finished formula complies with the latest IFRA standards for concentration limits in its intended application.
How To Store & Dispose of Undecatriene
Undecatriene stays fresher when protected from light oxygen and temperature swings. A dedicated refrigerator for aroma materials gives the longest shelf life yet a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources is usually sufficient for day-to-day work.
Use glass bottles fitted with polycone caps so the liner creates an airtight seal. Dropper bottles often seep and let air creep back inside so reserve them for short-term test blends only.
Keep containers as full as possible. Topping up with inert gas or transferring the remainder to a smaller bottle minimises headspace and slows oxidation that can dull the green profile.
Label every vessel clearly with the name concentration date of dilution and basic hazard icons. This saves confusion later and helps anyone sharing your space follow the same safety routine.
When a batch turns cloudy smells off or is no longer needed collect the residue in a sealed waste jar for solvent disposal. Although Undecatriene is inherently biodegradable it is rated ecotoxic so do not pour it down the drain. Local regulations usually allow drop-off at a household hazardous waste site or pickup by a licensed disposal company.
Summary
Undecatriene is a Givaudan green note that delivers a vivid galbanum-like flash of crushed stems and aromatic foliage. Used at trace to moderate levels it brightens chypres fougères florals and functional products such as soaps and shampoos.
The material projects strongly then settles within an hour yet it keeps a formula feeling fresh for the first day on skin. It is moderately priced thanks to high odour impact but its metallic edge can dominate if overdosed so careful measuring is key.
Stability is good in cool dark storage though oxidation will blunt its sparkle over time. Proper caps full bottles and occasional refrigeration help extend usability.
Commercial buyers can order directly from Givaudan or specialist distributors. Hobbyists will find smaller packs through reputable online resellers that stock either the branded grade or generic equivalents listed under CAS 16356-11-9.