8-Nonenal (CAS 39770-04-02) — Green Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
8-Nonenal
CAS 39770-04-02
What Is 8-Nonenal?
8-Nonenal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient that creates a distinctive cucumber-like aroma with fatty undertones. It’s often used in fine fragrances and personal care products to add fresh, green nuances. This aldehyde is valued by perfumers for its ability to impart crisp, watery freshness reminiscent of sliced cucumbers or melons, making it popular in aquatic and fresh fragrance compositions.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does 8-Nonenal Smell Like?
8-Nonenal bursts with an intensely fresh, cucumber-watermelon rind character that’s both cooling and slightly fatty. The initial impression is like slicing into a ripe honeydew melon, with a waxy greenness that evolves into a more vegetal, almost squash-like heart. As it dries down, it reveals subtle marine undertones reminiscent of ocean air, making it invaluable for aquatic accords. The fatty aspect lingers as a skin-like note, creating surprising depth for such a fresh-smelling molecule.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to create the signature watery melon effect that defines this aquatic classic, blending with calone for a dewy freshness.
Contributes to the cucumber-like freshness in the top notes, enhancing the marine accord with its green, watery character.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
8-Nonenal is a C9 aldehyde with a terminal double bond, belonging to the class of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. Synthesized through ozonolysis of cyclooctene followed by reductive workup, or via hydroformylation of 1,7-octadiene. The E-isomer predominates in commercial samples due to greater stability. Its reactivity comes from both the aldehyde group and alkene functionality, requiring stabilization with antioxidants in fragrance applications. The molecule’s volatility and polarity make it effective at creating immediate fresh top notes.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | ~185 °C (estimated) |
|---|---|
| Density | ~0.85 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Fresh top note in aquatic compositions |
| Shower Gels | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.2% | Enhances clean, fresh character |
Classic Accords
Tip: Stabilize with 0.1% BHT to prevent oxidation during storage.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More intense cucumber character but less stable; use when a stronger vegetable effect is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific IFRA restrictions. General aldehyde precautions apply.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment complete; safe at current use levels.
Sustainability
Synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks via efficient catalytic processes. No known ecological concerns at current production volumes. Being synthetic, it doesn’t impact agricultural land use but depends on non-renewable resources.
Explore 8-Nonenal
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.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorRelated Research
