What Is Undecatriene 10%/Tec?
Undecatriene 10%/Tec is an aroma ingredient supplied by the Swiss fragrance house Givaudan. The name signals that the active molecule, an eleven-carbon triene, is pre-diluted to ten percent in triethyl citrate so it can be weighed and dosed with ease. While Givaudan is the best-known source, smaller aroma suppliers also offer similar green triene dilutions under comparable trade names.
The material is produced through step-wise organic synthesis, starting from renewable plant-based feedstocks. Once the triene is isolated it is carefully blended into the triethyl citrate carrier which softens its metallic edge and makes it more user-friendly for perfumers.
At room temperature the product looks like a clear, colour-free oily liquid that pours readily. It does not crystallise or darken under normal conditions which helps maintain batch-to-batch consistency.
Undecatriene 10%/Tec is used sparingly rather than in bulk accords. You will come across it in modern fine fragrances, trending niche creations and in high-end functional products such as premium fabric conditioners or luxury hand soaps. A bottle kept tightly closed in a cool dark spot will typically stay in spec for around two years although many perfumers stretch it a little longer without obvious loss of quality.
Cost-wise it sits in the moderate bracket. The triene itself is tricky to make but the ten percent dilution spreads the expense, so a small vial usually lasts a long time in the lab.
Undecatriene 10%/Tec’s Scent Description
This ingredient lives firmly in the green family. On a fresh blotter the very first impression is a bright snap of crushed green stems mixed with the piercing citrus-peppery bite you get when you break open a galbanum resin tear. There is a cool metallic shimmer that recalls the smell of a tomato leaf rubbed between finger and thumb then a fleeting waft of bitter grapefruit zest. Underneath these vivid facets sits a faintly herbal accord that hints at parsley and fresh cut grass.
Perfumers classify notes into top, middle and base according to how fast they evaporate on skin or blotter. Undecatriene 10%/Tec is a textbook top note. It flashes up quickly, sets a natural outdoor mood then steps aside to let the heart of the fragrance develop. On blotter you can still detect a ghost of greenness after an hour or so but by the second hour it has all but vanished.
The projection is noticeable yet not overwhelming when dosed correctly. Even at trace levels it lifts an accord and gives the illusion of open air. Longevity is short, roughly a day on test paper, which is typical for sparkling green notes. In finished perfumes its high impact means you rarely need more than a few drops to create a fresh, realistic leafy opening.
How & Where To Use Undecatriene 10%/Tec
Perfumers reach for Undecatriene 10%/Tec when they need a quick green flash that feels authentic and modern. It excels in top note work, bolstering galbanum, violet leaf, mint, basil or crushed stem effects. Even in small amounts it lifts citrus, brightens fruity accords and adds realism to floral bouquets such as muguet or hyacinth.
Its usual dose runs from a mere trace up to about 0.5 percent of the finished concentrate, with 1 percent rarely exceeded. At the trace level it gives a subtle leafy accent that many consumers read as “fresh.” Push it toward the upper end and the note turns more metallic, almost peppery, which can be thrilling in avant-garde fine fragrance yet jarring in a delicate soap.
Functional products welcome this material because it survives alkaline conditions and blooming in water. It performs beautifully in shampoos, fabric conditioners and bar soap where green lift is wanted. In candle wax or high-heat diffusion, however, the note thins out quickly so other greens with better burn performance are often blended in.
Over-use is the main risk. Too much can overpower a formula, crushing subtle heart notes and leaving an aggressive metallic aftertaste. It can also clash with heavy moss, leather or gourmand accords, so trial work is essential.
Prep work is simple: the material already arrives at 10 percent in a skin-safe solvent, yet many creators still make a 1 percent bench dilution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for fine-tuning. Shake the bottle before each use, weigh accurately and record every trial because shifts of just 0.02 percent in the concentrate can be noticeable.
Pair it with ionones, hexenol, a touch of iso E super or a trace of blackcurrant bud to build wider leafy spaces. Conversely, ambergris or soft musks can round off any dry harshness that creeps in at higher dosages.
Safely Using Undecatriene 10%/Tec
Dilution is key. Always blend the material into a carrier before evaluation to avoid overwhelming vapors. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle since concentrated fumes may irritate nasal passages. Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood so airborne levels stay low. Gloves and safety glasses protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
Like many aroma chemicals it may cause skin irritation or sensitization in some individuals. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before prolonged handling. Short encounters with low-strength dilutions are generally considered low risk yet high or repeated exposure can be harmful, particularly to the respiratory tract.
Undecatriene 10%/Tec is classified as toxic to aquatic life so never rinse surplus down the drain. Collect spills with absorbent material and dispose of them through an approved chemical waste service.
Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dark spot away from direct sunlight and strong acids or bases. Keep an up-to-date inventory with in-use dates marked so the content is rotated before oxidation dulls the odor.
Always consult the latest Material Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and check it regularly for updates. Adhere to current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Undecatriene 10%/Tec
Undecatriene 10%/Tec stays freshest when it is shielded from heat light and oxygen. A refrigerator set around 4 °C offers the longest shelf life yet a simple cool dark cabinet away from radiators or sunlight usually works well for most users. Whichever location you choose keep the bottle upright and snugly closed.
Swap standard screw tops for polycone caps so the liner presses tightly against the glass and blocks slow solvent loss. Avoid glass dropper bottles because their rubber bulbs breathe and let air back in. Topping up containers or transferring the remainder to a smaller vial once the level drops below half further reduces headspace that encourages oxidation.
Label every container clearly with the full name Undecatriene 10% in triethyl citrate, the date first opened, hazard pictograms and any internal reference numbers. A visible label prevents mix-ups on the bench and reminds colleagues of the aquatic toxicity risk.
For disposal never pour leftovers or rinse water into sinks. Although the molecule is inherently biodegradable its concentrated form harms aquatic organisms before it can break down. Collect waste in a sealed metal or HDPE drum then hand it to a licensed chemical disposal company that handles aromatic solvents. Small spills on the bench should be blotted with inert absorbent pads placed in a sealed bag and discarded through the same route.
Summary
Undecatriene 10%/Tec is a Givaudan green note supplied pre-diluted in triethyl citrate for easy handling. It delivers a vivid metallic galbanum-like flash that perks up citrus leafy florals and modern fougères then fades after about a day on blotter. Used in traces up to one percent it shines in fine fragrance fabric care and personal wash formulas where a natural crushed-stem lift is wanted.
The material is not an everyday commodity but it holds a respected niche thanks to its authentic character and reliable performance. Pricing sits mid to high compared with common greens so careful dosing keeps costs sensible. Stability is good in neutral or alkaline systems though excessive heat or air can dull the note which is why tight caps cool storage and prompt use help maintain quality.
Commercial houses can purchase directly from Givaudan or authorized distributors while hobbyists will find smaller packs from specialty resellers and generic makers that offer chemically identical versions. Whether you buy a few grams or several kilos the same rules apply: weigh precisely store smartly and dispose responsibly so this bright green accent can keep bringing life to your next creative blend.