Phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal (CAS 29895-73-6) — Floral Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient

Floral · Sweet

Phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal

CAS 29895-73-6

Origin
synthetic
Note
Heart
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal?

Phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to create floral, honey-like scents in perfumes and personal care products. It’s commonly found in fine fragrances, soaps, and shampoos. This ingredient matters because it provides a long-lasting floral character that mimics natural hyacinth and rose notes, adding depth and persistence to fragrance compositions without the volatility of some natural alternatives.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Not classified as an allergen
IFRA compliant
CAS
29895-73-6
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Floral · Sweet
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal Smell Like?

Phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal opens with an intense floral burst reminiscent of hyacinth and rose petals, with a subtle green stemminess that adds naturalism. As it evolves, the honeyed sweetness becomes more pronounced, like nectar dripping from spring blossoms. The dry-down reveals a soft, powdery texture with hints of almond, creating a comforting skin-scent that lingers gracefully. Its character is more rounded and tenacious than free phenylacetaldehyde, making it ideal for modern floral bouquets where diffusion and longevity are desired.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Chanel No. 5(Chanel, 1921)

Used to enhance the floral aldehyde bouquet, contributing honeyed rose facets that bridge between the sparkling top notes and rich heart.

Diorissimo(Christian Dior, 1956)

Provides a stable lilac-hyacinth character that supports the natural lily of the valley absolute in this classic floral.

L'Air du Temps(Nina Ricci, 1948)

Adds persistent floralcy to the carnation accord, creating the illusion of fresh-cut flowers throughout wear.

Joy(Jean Patou, 1930)

Used judiciously to amplify the rose-jasmine heart with a nectar-like sweetness that defines this luxurious floral.

Gucci Bloom(Gucci, 2017)

Modern application creates a white floral bouquet with enhanced diffusion and creaminess in this contemporary floral.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Phenacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal

SMILES: C1C(OC(O1)CC2=CC=CC=C2)CO

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal is an acetal derivative formed by reacting phenylacetaldehyde with glycerol. This chemical modification stabilizes the aldehyde group, significantly reducing volatility while maintaining the desired floral character. The molecule exists as a mixture of stereoisomers due to the chiral centers introduced by the glycerol moiety. Industrial synthesis typically involves acid-catalyzed condensation under controlled conditions to maximize yield of the desired fragrance-active isomers while minimizing byproducts.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol and oils, slightly soluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Heart
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Floral heart note enhancer
Soap0.5-1.5%Up to 2%Provides stable floral character
Shampoo0.2-0.8%Up to 1%Adds floral persistence
Candles0.5-2%Up to 3%Heat-stable floral note

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to anchor more volatile floral notes and prevent harsh aldehyde character in the dry-down.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Phenylacetaldehyde CAS 122-78-1

For brighter but more volatile floral effects. Requires stabilization due to polymerization tendency.

2
Phenylacetaldehyde dimethyl acetal CAS 101-48-4

More citrus-floral with sharper diffusion. Less honeyed character than the glyceryl acetal.

3
Hydroxycitronellal CAS 107-75-5

When a softer, more lilac-like floral is desired with less honeyed sweetness.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No restrictions under IFRA standards. Listed as safe for use in all fragrance categories at standard usage levels.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels based on extensive toxicological data.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal offers consistent quality without natural resource depletion. Modern production methods emphasize energy efficiency and waste reduction. While not biodegradable, its low environmental impact comes from minimal aquatic toxicity and low bioaccumulation potential compared to some natural alternatives requiring extensive agricultural inputs.

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References

  1. Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
  2. IFRA Standards Library (2023). Amendment 49. IFRA
  3. Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured.

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

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Physicochemical Properties

DTXSID: DTXSID7051975

Physical Properties

Molecular Weight 194.23 g/mol🔬 PubChem
Density 1.158 g/cm^3🔬 PubChem

Partition & Solubility

LogP (Octanol-Water) 1.2 Log10 unitless🔬 PubChem

Molecular Descriptors

Topological Polar Surface Area 38.69 Ų💻 Computed
H-Bond Donors 1 count💻 Computed
H-Bond Acceptors 3 count💻 Computed
Rotatable Bonds 3 count💻 Computed
Aromatic Rings 1 count💻 Computed
Molar Refractivity 51.84 cm^3/mol💻 Computed

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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