What Is Undecatriene 10%/Tec?
Undecatriene 10%/Tec is an aroma material introduced to the perfumery palette during the late 1960s when chemists were searching for vivid green notes that could survive modern detergent and soap bases. It is produced by selective synthesis, starting with light petrochemical streams or renewable terpene feedstocks, followed by careful fractionation that isolates the desired C11 hydrocarbon and finally dilution to a convenient 10 percent strength in a technical solvent. The result is a crystal clear, slightly oily liquid that pours easily at room temperature.
Because it is made through laboratory synthesis rather than direct extraction from plants, the ingredient is classed as a synthetic, though current production routes can include more than half renewable carbon content. Its consistent quality and relatively straightforward process mean it is not viewed as a luxury raw material, so it is generally affordable for both fine fragrance and functional fragrance houses. While you will not find it in every formula, it is a trusted workhorse in any perfumer’s kit whenever a crisp natural-smelling green nuance is required.
What Does Undecatriene 10%/Tec Smell Like?
This material sits squarely in the green family. Off a blotter it opens with a sharp, almost metallic flash that recalls freshly snapped galbanum resin along with the scent of crushed stems and torn leaves. Within moments that intensity melts into a more rounded aromatic green accord that feels vibrant and natural, hinting at cool morning air over a garden patch. A subtle peppery edge adds lift while a faint vegetal sweetness keeps the profile from feeling too raw.
In perfumery terms notes are grouped by the speed at which they evaporate: top for the first minutes, middle for the heart of the fragrance and base for what lingers on skin or fabric. Undecatriene 10%/Tec sits in the upper-middle zone. It announces itself quickly, giving a bright opening burst, then supports the heart of the composition for several hours before retreating to the background.
Projection is strong at first, easily cutting through other materials, which is why perfumers tend to use it in tiny amounts. On a blotter the aroma remains detectable for roughly a day, after which it fades without leaving heavy residual notes. This balance of impact and moderate longevity makes it ideal for creating an authentic leafy impression without weighing down the dry-down of the perfume.
How & Where To Use Undecatriene 10%/Tec
Most perfumers will tell you this is a fun material to have on the blotter. It behaves well, is easy to weigh and does not cling to glassware, so lab cleanup is quick. The neat liquid has a clean pour and blends smoothly with alcohol or dipropylene glycol.
Its job is to inject a lively leafy flash wherever a formula feels flat. Think of it as seasoning rather than a main course. A few drops will sharpen a citrus top, lift a muguet heart or make a woody base smell freshly cut. When a project needs the cool snap of galbanum but you want something lighter than real galbanum resin, this is the go-to choice.
Perfumers reach for Undecatriene 10%/Tec in green florals, fougères, sporty colognes and modern laundry accords. It blooms brilliantly in soap and shampoo bases where many naturals fade. In candles and air care it can feel thin, so other richer greens like Stemone or Hexenyl acetate often join the mix.
Use level usually falls between traces and 0.5 percent of the concentrate. Pushing toward 1 percent gives a bracing metallic bite that suits high-energy shower gels but can overpower fine fragrance. Below 0.1 percent it simply adds realism, making flowers smell as if they still have dew on their stems.
The smell itself changes with dose. At high levels you get a piercing metallic note similar to snapped asparagus. Moderate levels offer bright galbanum with a peppery lift. In the tiniest touches it reads as fresh air around foliage, almost invisible yet missed when removed.
No special prep is required beyond routine dilution. Most labs keep it at 10 percent in ethanol which is easy to measure. If using in surfactant bases, pre-blend it with a solubiliser to avoid ringing or haze. Store it separately from aldehydes as its strong green odor can migrate through plastic caps.
Safely Information
Working with Undecatriene 10%/Tec is straightforward but still calls for basic laboratory care.
- Always dilute before evaluation: Prepare a 1 percent or weaker solution in alcohol before smelling so the aroma is easier to judge and the risk of irritation is lower
- Avoid direct sniffing: Do not smell straight from the bottle hold the strip at an arm’s length and waft gently toward the nose
- Ensure good ventilation: Use a fume hood or open window to keep airborne concentration low especially during weighing and blending
- Wear protective gear: Gloves prevent skin contact and safety glasses shield eyes from accidental splashes
- Mind health considerations: Some people may develop skin irritation or allergies to aroma chemicals. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before exposure. Short encounters at low levels are generally safe but prolonged or high doses can be harmful
For complete peace of mind review the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check it regularly for updates. Follow any applicable IFRA guidance on maximum use levels to keep your creations both beautiful and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in ideal conditions Undecatriene 10%/Tec stays in good shape for roughly two years before the scent profile starts to dull. Refrigeration is optional but helpful. Most labs simply store it in a cool dark cupboard away from sunlight heaters or radiators and find the material remains stable for the full period.
Use bottles with tight-sealing polycone caps for both the neat material and any dilutions. Dropper tops often leak vapour and pull in air so avoid them. Try to keep each bottle as full as possible because the larger the headspace the faster oxygen can cause oxidation and off odours.
If you choose refrigeration place the bottle in a sealed plastic bag to limit moisture condensation when it is taken out. Always let the liquid warm to room temperature before opening to prevent water droplets forming inside the neck.
Label every container clearly with the ingredient name strength date of dilution and essential safety notes such as “irritant” or “toxic to aquatic life.” Good labeling prevents mix-ups and keeps anyone who handles your shelf informed at a glance.
For disposal small lab volumes can usually be diluted well with plenty of water then flushed to the drain if local regulations allow. The molecule is inherently biodegradable yet still carries aquatic toxicity so never pour concentrated residue into sinks or outdoor soil. Larger amounts should be collected in a closed drum and handed to a licensed chemical waste service. Rinse empty bottles with solvent then water and dispose of them according to municipal recycling or hazardous waste guidelines.
Summary
Undecatriene 10%/Tec is a synthetic C11 green note that gives a crisp metallic galbanum effect with a hint of peppery foliage. Used in traces it brightens citrus floral fougère or detergent accords and at higher levels it adds a bold leafy snap. The material pours easily costs little and behaves well in most bases so perfumers find it fun and versatile.
Popularity comes from its strong impact and rare ability to survive harsh soap or shampoo formulations without smelling chemical or heavy. Keep an eye on dose because the top note can overpower delicate blends. Stability is solid for about two years if stored cool and full capped but oxidation will dull it over time. Considering its affordability and unique character Undecatriene 10%/Tec earns a permanent place on the bench whenever a formula needs that fresh cut green lift.