Terpenes and terpenoids, litsea cubeba-oil, hydrogenated (CAS 68608-36-6) — Citrus Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Terpenes and terpenoids, litsea cubeba-oil, hydrogenated
CAS 68608-36-6
What Is Terpenes and terpenoids, litsea cubeba-oil, hydrogenated?
Hydrogenated litsea cubeba oil is a refined fragrance material derived from the citrusy Litsea cubeba plant. It’s commonly used to add bright, lemony freshness to cleaning products and personal care items. This ingredient provides a stable, long-lasting citrus character without the volatility of natural citrus oils, making it valuable for formulations needing consistent top notes.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Terpenes and terpenoids, litsea cubeba-oil, hydrogenated Smell Like?
Hydrogenated litsea cubeba oil offers a clean, zesty lemon-lime aroma with sweet floral undertones. Unlike fresh citrus oils, the hydrogenation process rounds off the sharp edges, creating a smoother, more persistent citrus character. The scent evolves from an initial burst of lemon candy to a subtle herbal-green nuance, finally settling into a soft woody-citric base. Its dry-down has a faintly waxy, candied quality reminiscent of lemon drops.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
This material is produced by hydrogenating the terpenes in Litsea cubeba essential oil, primarily converting citral (a mixture of geranial and neral) into saturated alcohols like citronellol and geraniol. The process increases stability while maintaining the citrus character. Being a complex mixture of hydrogenated terpenoids, it lacks a single molecular structure but typically contains various monoterpenoids with saturated isoprenoid skeletons.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to colorless liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Household Cleaners | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Provides fresh citrus character |
| Personal Care | 0.1-1% | Up to 2% | Used in soaps and shampoos |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with aldehydes to boost citrus freshness while masking any waxy undertones.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions apply to hydrogenated litsea cubeba oil.
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for use in fragrances based on existing terpenoid data.
Sustainability
As a hydrogenated derivative, this material has better stability than the natural oil, reducing waste from oxidation. Most commercial production uses Litsea cubeba sourced from sustainable plantations in China. The hydrogenation process requires energy but prevents the need for frequent replacement of oxidized citrus notes in formulations.
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Ingredient Data Sheet
CAS 68608-36-6Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
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