Phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal (CAS 29895-73-6) — Floral Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal
CAS 29895-73-6
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 SAFEWhat 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.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used to enhance the floral aldehyde bouquet, contributing honeyed rose facets that bridge between the sparkling top notes and rich heart.
Provides a stable lilac-hyacinth character that supports the natural lily of the valley absolute in this classic floral.
Adds persistent floralcy to the carnation accord, creating the illusion of fresh-cut flowers throughout wear.
Used judiciously to amplify the rose-jasmine heart with a nectar-like sweetness that defines this luxurious floral.
Modern application creates a white floral bouquet with enhanced diffusion and creaminess in this contemporary floral.
2D Molecular Structure
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
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and oils, slightly soluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Floral heart note enhancer |
| Soap | 0.5-1.5% | Up to 2% | Provides stable floral character |
| Shampoo | 0.2-0.8% | Up to 1% | Adds floral persistence |
| Candles | 0.5-2% | 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
For brighter but more volatile floral effects. Requires stabilization due to polymerization tendency.
More citrus-floral with sharper diffusion. Less honeyed character than the glyceryl acetal.
When a softer, more lilac-like floral is desired with less honeyed sweetness.
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.
Explore Phenylacetaldehyde glyceryl acetal
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.
- IFRA Standards Library (2023). Amendment 49. IFRA
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical 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.
