Octanenitrile (CAS 0124-12-9) — Green Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Octanenitrile
CAS 0124-12-9
What Is Octanenitrile?
Octanenitrile is a synthetic fragrance ingredient primarily used in industrial and functional fragrance applications. It’s not commonly found in consumer products but may appear in some specialty fragrances or air fresheners. This nitrile compound contributes green, fatty, and slightly metallic nuances to fragrances, often used to create modern, abstract scent profiles.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Octanenitrile Smell Like?
Octanenitrile presents a sharp, green opening with distinct fatty undertones reminiscent of crushed leaves and vegetable oils. The initial burst quickly settles into a cleaner, more metallic heart note that evokes stainless steel surfaces or rain on hot pavement. As it dries down, it leaves a faint waxy residue, similar to crayons or paraffin. The overall effect is industrial yet oddly compelling – a modernist take on green accords that works well for creating abstract, avant-garde fragrance structures.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Octanenitrile belongs to the nitrile class of organic compounds, characterized by a carbon-nitrogen triple bond (C≡N) functional group. While nitriles occur naturally in some plants (like almonds and certain fruit pits), octanenitrile is exclusively synthetic. Industrial synthesis typically involves the dehydration of octanoamide or the reaction of octanoyl chloride with ammonia. The linear carbon chain gives it moderate volatility, while the polar nitrile group influences its solubility and reactivity in fragrance matrices.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | Data not available |
|---|---|
| Density | Data not available |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used for green metallic effects |
| Fine Fragrance | Trace amounts | Up to 0.2% | Special effect modifier |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly in modern green accords to add cutting-edge metallic facets.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Provides green freshness without the metallic edge, better suited for consumer products.
Offers a cleaner green woody character for similar modern effects with better stability.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific IFRA restrictions noted. General nitrile precautions apply.
RIFM Assessment
No RIFM assessment currently available for this material.
Sustainability
As a fully synthetic material, octanenitrile’s environmental impact depends primarily on production methods rather than raw material sourcing. Nitrile synthesis typically involves petrochemical feedstocks, though newer green chemistry approaches may reduce energy and waste streams. Being used in trace amounts, its overall footprint in fragrance applications remains small compared to major volume ingredients.
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