Lilial
Lilial (phenylmethylpentylpropionaldehyde) is a synthetic fragrance ingredient with a fresh, floral, and fruity aroma, commonly used in perfumes and personal care products. It is an aromatic aldehyde with characteristics similar to jasmine and lily of the valley, making it very popular in floral fragrances. Due to its unique scent and long-lasting fragrance, lilial is widely used by perfumers, especially in the middle and base notes.
Type
Floral
Lily of the valley, white flowers, and powdery floral notes, it’s soft, sweet, and very pleasant, yet not overpowering.
Acquisition Methods
Natural extraction or chemical synthesis
Although it can be obtained from some plant essential oils, most of it is obtained through the chemical synthesis of aromatic aldehydes.
Basic Information
| English Name | Lilial |
| Common Industry Name | Lilial |
| Chemical Category | Aromatic Aldehyde |
| Molecular Formula | C10H12O |
| Molecular Weight | 148.21 g/mol |
| CAS Number | 80-54-6 |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
Technical Data
| Boiling Point | 258°C |
| Flash Point | 113°C |
| Refractive Index (20°C) | 1.497 – 1.500 |
| Density (20°C) | 0.984 g/cm³ |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohols, ethers, and vegetable oils; insoluble in water. |
| Stability | Stable under normal conditions, but should be protected from light and stored in a cool place, avoiding exposure to high temperatures. |
Chemical Structure
C10H12O
Fragrance Characteristics
| Fragrance Characteristics | Fresh, a blend of floral and fruity notes, similar to lily of the valley and jasmine, with a slightly sweet and refreshing character. |
| Fragrance Family Position | Middle to Base Notes |
| Common Pairings | Can be blended with other floral (e.g., jasmine, rose), fruity (e.g., citrus, peach), woody, and vanilla notes. |
| Applications | Widely used in perfumes, personal care products (e.g., shampoos, shower gels, skincare products), detergents, air fresheners, etc. |
Safety and Compliance
| IFRA Guidelines | The use of lilial in perfumes and cosmetics is restricted by IFRA regulations, especially at higher concentrations. Following the guidelines is recommended. |
| Stability | Lilial is stable under suitable storage conditions, but prolonged exposure to air may cause aroma evaporation or degradation. |
| Allergy Risk | Some sensitive individuals may experience allergic reactions to lilial, especially at high concentrations. |
| EU Ban | Lilial is completely banned in the EU. It is rarely used in new formulations and cannot be included as a compliant selling point ingredient in documentation. However, it may still appear in historical fragrance analyses, alternative comparisons, and discussions of older formulations. |
Application Highlights
- Lilial’s fresh floral scent makes it an essential ingredient in many floral perfumes, enhancing the lightness and vibrancy of the fragrance.
- Lilial boasts strong fragrance longevity, effectively extending the duration of a scent in perfumes and adding depth.
- Not only common in perfumes, Lilial is also widely used in cleansers and air fresheners, providing these products with a fresh and pleasant aroma.
- As a gentle fragrance ingredient, Lilial is frequently added to skin care products, providing a pleasant scent experience and enhancing the product’s sensory effects.