Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra Aroma Chemical
CAS# 103-95-7

Cyclamen Aldehyde-the most widely used trade name-is a fully synthetic fragrance compound with the chemical name 2-methyl-3-(p-isopropylphenyl)propionaldehyde, also known under names such as Cyclamal (Givaudan), Cyclamen Propanal, or Isopropyl-alpha-methyl-hydrocinnamic aldehyde, and it does not exist in nature. Although cyclamen primrose (Cyclamen) has a captivating, enchanting scent, it cannot be distilled into an essential oil, which led to the creation of Cyclamen Aldehyde to help perfumers recreate this flower’s characteristic aroma, while also supporting the construction of other hard-to-extract floral profiles such as muguet (lily of the valley).

In its form as a free-flowing liquid ranging from colorless to pale yellow, it radiates a fresh, green floral scent with a faint sharpness reminiscent of plant stems and the lively character of lily of the valley. As one of the most classic and essential materials for building the alluring green floral family, Cyclamen Aldehyde is widely used in perfumery and is especially popular in scented soaps thanks to its superior chemical stability compared with many other aldehydes. First synthesized around 1919 by the chemist Blanc, it entered commercial production in the 1920s and quickly became a powerful tool for perfumers. Together with hydroxycitronellal, it helped usher in a new era for lily-of-the-valley and cyclamen-style perfumes-effects that had previously been almost impossible to reproduce convincingly.

Description

Cyclamen Aldehyde belongs to the floral family with a vibrant green facet. It primarily functions as a heart note, though it can sometimes shine in the top due to its impressive diffusion. Its odor is intense and compelling, evoking both cyclamen and lily of the valley, with a distinctly green character reminiscent of fresh plant sap, a crisp snapped stem, or the skin and watery flesh of unripe cucumber and melon. This sets it apart from the gentler sweetness of hydroxycitronellal: it is sharper, drier, and may carry a subtle spicy nuance or a fascinating linden blossom-like floral impression. At peak intensity, it has fairly good tenacity and can last on a blotter for several days.

In fragrance formulas, Cyclamen Aldehyde is a key building block for muguet (lily of the valley), cyclamen, lilac, and peony accords. It also contributes a fresh, dewy watery effect and a natural, lively lift to complex floral bouquets, helping to soften harsh sweetness and create a refined balance. Notable pairings include the classic duo with hydroxycitronellal to complete a muguet effect by combining sharp green freshness on one side with smooth sweetness on the other; blending with linalool or terpineol to recreate an alluring lilac impression; and pairing with helional to enhance watery freshness and a cool melon-like effect. It can be used directly, but because it is quite powerful, it is often pre-diluted (for example to 10%) during evaluation to avoid overpowering other components.

Applications

Cyclamen Aldehyde performs brilliantly across many common applications: from fine fragrance-where it plays an important role in floral bouquet, vibrant green, and refreshing marine styles-to rinse-off cosmetics such as bar soap and shower gel, as well as home fragrance products including room sprays and scented candles. It even extends into detergents like laundry powder and fabric softener thanks to its strong substantivity and excellent stability in alkaline environments. Under IFRA-compliant use recommendations, it is restricted due to potential skin sensitization; in perfumes (often referenced under Category 4) usage is typically kept below about 1% to a few percent depending on the current standard (e.g., IFRA 51), and it should never exceed the applicable limits to avoid irritation or allergic reactions. From a labeling standpoint, Cyclamen Aldehyde is an allergen that may require declaration on EU product packaging if its concentration exceeds regulatory thresholds. It also oxidizes readily upon exposure to air, forming cyclamenic acid, which is odorless or sour-smelling; therefore it should be stored carefully in a tightly sealed, dark bottle at low temperature, and antioxidants may be added to help preserve quality.

On the market, it contributes to the appeal of iconic products such as L’Air du Temps by Nina Ricci, where it supports carnation and jasmine notes for an airy, captivating elegance; Beige from Chanel’s Les Exclusifs line, where it helps build a modern green nuance around frangipani and honey; and many classic bath soaps such as older Camay and Lux, in which Cyclamen Aldehyde serves as a signature note to create an unforgettable clean, refreshing impression. In Steffen Arctander’s classic two-volume Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, Cyclamen Aldehyde is described as having a “powerful, slightly floral odor, moderate tenacity… resembling linden blossom, lily of the valley, cyclamen, etc., with a characteristic ‘green’ note reminiscent of cucumber or melon… widely used in perfumes due to its strength and durability… very stable in soap and effective at masking the base odor of soap.”