Decanal dimethyl acetal (CAS 7779-41-1) — Citrus Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Decanal dimethyl acetal
CAS 7779-41-1
What Is Decanal dimethyl acetal?
Decanal dimethyl acetal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add fresh, citrusy, and aldehydic notes to perfumes and household products. You’ll encounter it in air fresheners, fabric softeners, and citrus-forward fragrances. This molecule matters because it provides long-lasting freshness without the harshness sometimes associated with aldehydes, making it a versatile tool for perfumers seeking bright, clean accords.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Decanal dimethyl acetal Smell Like?
Decanal dimethyl acetal bursts with a crisp, aldehydic citrus character reminiscent of freshly peeled mandarin zest, evolving into a soapy-clean heart reminiscent of high-end laundry detergents. The dry-down reveals subtle floral undertones with a waxy, slightly marine character that lingers close to the skin. Unlike its aldehyde precursor, it lacks metallic harshness, instead offering a rounded, diffusive quality that blends seamlessly with other citrus materials.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to amplify the citrus top notes while providing stability against oxidation, contributing to the fragrance’s legendary freshness.
Adds a crisp, clean dimension to the citrus accord, complementing the Sicilian lemon without overpowering the floral heart.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCC(OC)OC
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Decanal dimethyl acetal is an acetal derivative of decanal, formed by reacting decanal with methanol. Acetals are prized in perfumery for their stability compared to aldehydes, resisting oxidation while slowly releasing the parent aldehyde over time. The dimethyl acetal group (-CH(OCH3)2) modifies the volatility and odor profile, making it less aggressive than decanal while maintaining fresh characteristics.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | ~200 °C (estimated) |
| Density | ~0.85 g/cm³ (estimated) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Citrus and fresh accords |
| Functional Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Laundry and cleaning products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to stabilize citrus top notes while adding diffusion – combines well with calone for aquatic effects.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For stronger aldehyde impact but less stability. Use when oxidation isn’t a concern.
When more lemony character is desired with similar stability benefits.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions – not classified as an allergen.
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe at current usage levels based on structural analogs.
Sustainability
Synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks, though production is energy-efficient. No known ecological hazards at usage levels. Preferred over some natural citrus oils for reduced phototoxicity concerns.
Explore Decanal dimethyl acetal
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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 errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID3064803
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 202.338 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.836 g/cm^3📊 OPERA |
| Boiling Point | 218 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -43.798 °C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 74.227 °C📊 OPERA |
| Refractive Index | 1.423 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 239.718 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.698 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 4.698 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.698 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 5.81 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.001 mol/L📊 OPERA |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0.001 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.183 mmHg📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 2.044 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 26.233 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 135.549 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 18.46 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 2 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 10 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 61.092 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 24.219 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.
