2-Decenal (CAS 3913-71-1) — Citrus Top to Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Decenal
CAS 3913-71-1
What Is 2-Decenal?
2-Decenal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that adds a unique character to perfumes and scented products. You’ll encounter it in sophisticated floral and citrus compositions where it contributes depth. This aldehyde matters because it bridges fresh top notes with richer heart accords, creating perfumes that evolve beautifully on skin.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 2-Decenal Smell Like?
2-Decenal bursts with a vibrant citrus-orange peel sharpness that quickly mellows into a waxy, floral heart reminiscent of magnolia petals. As it dries down, it reveals a subtle fatty character like the skin of a ripe peach, with whispers of clean linen in the background. The transformation from bright to creamy makes it invaluable for creating perfumes with dynamic movement.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used sparingly to enhance the aldehydic sparkle and floral bouquet, contributing to the legendary complexity of this icon.
Adds luminosity to the floral heart, creating the signature ‘dew on petals’ effect in this modern classic.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCCC=CC=O
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
2-Decenal belongs to the α,β-unsaturated aldehyde family, characterized by a double bond adjacent to the carbonyl group. Industrially produced via the oxidation of 2-decenol or through crossed aldol condensation reactions. The trans-isomer dominates commercial production due to its superior olfactory properties. The molecule’s reactivity makes it valuable for creating complex fragrance bases through Schiff base formation.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 210-215 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.84 g/cm³ |
| Flash Point | 93 °C |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds lift to floral bouquets |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used in citrus fabric softeners |
Classic Accords
Tip: Stabilize in ethanol before adding to oil-based compositions to prevent polymerization.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a less reactive option with similar citrus-waxy profile but lacking the floral nuances.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific restrictions under current IFRA standards (Amendment 49).
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed in EU allergen regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 Annex III.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation complete – safe at current usage levels in fragrance applications.
Sustainability
Synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks with relatively low environmental impact due to efficient production processes. Not known to bioaccumulate. Preferred over natural aldehyde sources from citrus peels which require large agricultural inputs.
Explore 2-Decenal
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH. ISBN 9783527612486
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID8052065
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 154.253 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.841 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 230 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -8.92 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 91.611 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.44 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 184.536 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3.746 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.746 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 3.746 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 5.06 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0.001 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.121 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 1.715 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 28.424 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 143.249 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 17.07 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 7 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 48.622 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 19.275 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
