2-trans-6-cis-Dodecadienal (CAS 21662-13-5) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Green · Floral

2-trans-6-cis-Dodecadienal

CAS 21662-13-5

Origin
synthetic
Note
Top to middle
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is 2-trans-6-cis-Dodecadienal?

2-trans-6-cis-Dodecadienal is a synthetic fragrance molecule that creates fresh, green, cucumber-like notes in perfumes and personal care products. You’ll find it in high-end fragrances where a crisp, watery effect is desired. This aldehyde is prized for its ability to add a dewy, vegetal freshness that lasts through the dry-down of a fragrance.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
IFRA approved with restrictions
Can cause sensitization at higher concentrations
CAS
21662-13-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2-trans-6-cis-Dodecadienal Smell Like?

2-trans-6-cis-Dodecadienal bursts with an intense, refreshing greenness reminiscent of freshly cut cucumber peel and watermelon rind. The initial impression is sharply aquatic, evolving into a softer, more rounded melon-like character. As it dries down, it reveals a subtle floral undertone that adds complexity to its primarily green profile. The molecule has excellent diffusion, creating an airy, expansive freshness that works particularly well in modern aquatic and floral compositions.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau de Cartier(Cartier, 2001)

Used to create the signature watery freshness that defines this modern cologne, blending seamlessly with violet leaf and citrus notes.

L'Eau d'Issey(Issey Miyake, 1992)

Contributes to the iconic dewy lotus effect in this aquatic masterpiece, enhancing the floralcy without overpowering.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2,6-Dodecadienal, (2E,6Z)-

SMILES: CCCCC\C=C/CC\C=C\C=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2-trans-6-cis-Dodecadienal is an unsaturated aldehyde with a 12-carbon chain. The specific trans-cis configuration at positions 2 and 6 creates its characteristic odor profile. Industrially synthesized through controlled oxidation of corresponding alcohols or Wittig reactions, its stereochemistry is carefully controlled during production. The molecule’s reactivity makes it prone to oxidation, requiring careful handling and stabilization in formulations.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor ThresholdExtremely low (ppb range)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to middle
Volatility
Medium (1-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used for fresh top notes
Functional Products0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Adds freshness to body care

Classic Accords

Tip: Stabilize with antioxidants and use in alcohol bases to prevent premature oxidation.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
2,6-Nonadienal CAS 557-48-2

Shorter chain version with more intense cucumber character but poorer longevity.

2
Melonal CAS 106-72-9

For sweeter melon effects when less green character is desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

IFRA 49th Amendment restricts to 0.5% in leave-on products due to sensitization potential.

EU Allergen Declaration

Not currently listed as EU allergen.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H317 May cause allergic skin reaction

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment confirms safe use at IFRA recommended levels.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, production is controllable with minimal environmental impact compared to natural alternatives. Current synthesis routes are being optimized to reduce energy consumption and byproducts.

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References

  1. Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
  2. IFRA Standards Library, 49th Amendment IFRA Official

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID60885173

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 180.291 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.862 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
Boiling Point 253.972 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 5.742 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 106.098 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.461 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 211.164 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.247 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 4.247 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 4.247 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 5.83 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
Water Solubility 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA
Henry's Law Constant 0.001 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

Transport Properties

Vapor Pressure 0.01 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 2.021 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 29.679 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 148.538 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 8 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 57.946 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 22.971 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.

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