2-Undecenal (CAS 2463-77-6) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

Citrus · Green

2-Undecenal

CAS 2463-77-6

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

What Is 2-Undecenal?

2-Undecenal is a synthetic aldehyde used in perfumery for its intense waxy, citrusy, and slightly metallic odor. Commonly found in household cleaners and air fresheners for its powerful scent. This ingredient matters because it provides long-lasting freshness and enhances citrus notes in fragrances, though its potency requires careful dosing.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated concentrations
Can cause irritation in high doses
CAS
2463-77-6
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does 2-Undecenal Smell Like?

2-Undecenal bursts with a sharp, waxy citrus note reminiscent of lemon peel and candle wax. The initial intensity mellows into a cleaner, soapy undertone with a faint metallic edge. Over time, it evolves into a soft, slightly fatty aroma, akin to crushed green leaves mixed with a whisper of fresh laundry.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2-Undecenal

SMILES: CCCCCCCCC=CC=O

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

2-Undecenal is an unsaturated aldehyde with an 11-carbon chain. It belongs to the class of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, known for their reactivity and strong odors. Typically synthesized via hydroformylation of decene or oxidation of undecenol. Its structure makes it prone to polymerization and oxidation, requiring stabilization in formulations.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointNot well documented
DensityNot well documented

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
Medium (1-3 hours)
Blending
Moderate
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Used sparingly for citrus lift
Functional Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 3%Adds freshness to cleaners

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in trace amounts to avoid overwhelming the composition.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Decanal CAS 112-31-2

Less intense, smoother citrus note for lighter applications.

2
Citral CAS 5392-40-5

Brighter lemon character with less waxy undertones.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions currently apply.

EU Allergen Declaration

Not listed as an EU allergen.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment pending; limited data available.

Sustainability

Synthetic production avoids agricultural impacts but relies on petrochemical feedstocks. Energy-intensive processes involved in synthesis.

Explore 2-Undecenal

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

  1. PubChem: 2-Undecenal CID 2463-77-6

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

Report a data error

Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID701377558

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 168.28 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
Density 0.842 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
Boiling Point 229.355 °C📊 OPERA
Melting Point 2.434 °C📊 OPERA
Flash Point 103.852 °C📊 OPERA
Refractive Index 1.443 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
Molar Volume 201.043 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.176 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 5.5) 4.176 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
LogD (pH 7.4) 4.176 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 0.049 mmHg📊 OPERA
Viscosity 1.915 cP📊 OPERA
Surface Tension 28.835 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
Thermal Conductivity 145.497 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 53.255 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
Polarizability 21.112 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.

Similar Posts