Aldehyde C-10

Decanal

Aldehyde C-10, also known as Decanal, n-Decanal or Decyl Aldehyde, is a powerful fragrance aroma chemical belonging to the fatty aldehyde family. It is valued in modern perfumery for its characteristic fresh citrus, orange-peel, waxy, aldehydic and slightly fatty character.

Aldehyde C-10 is particularly useful when a fragrance needs brightness, lift, sparkle, freshness and diffusion. It can be used as an accent material in citrus, floral, aldehydic, fresh, clean, soap and functional-fragrance compositions.

The material is highly potent, so it is normally incorporated into fragrance compositions at relatively low levels. Kao lists a typical perfumery dosage range of approximately 0.02–3%, depending on the formulation and desired effect.

Key Features

• Powerful citrus-aldehydic aroma
• Fresh orange-peel and citrus-rind character
• Waxy and slightly fatty undertone
• Excellent top-note lift
• Adds sparkle and brightness
• Strong diffusion
• Useful as a floral modifier
• Suitable for citrus and aldehydic accords
• Useful in fresh, clean and soapy fragrance compositions
• Compatible with a wide range of perfume materials

Odor Profile

Primary: Aldehydic, Citrus, Orange Peel

Secondary: Waxy, Fresh, Fatty, Floral, Clean

Olfactive character:
Freshly peeled orange and citrus rind with a powerful aldehydic sparkle, supported by a soft waxy/fatty nuance.

Because of its high odor strength, smelling the material in a low dilution is recommended when evaluating it.

Perfumery Applications

Aldehyde C-10 can be used as a powerful modifier and top-note accent in:

• Fine fragrances
• Eau de parfum and perfume compounds
• Citrus fragrances
• Orange accords
• Bergamot and lemon accords
• Aldehydic perfumes
• Floral bouquets
• Rose accords
• Jasmine compositions
• White-floral fragrances
• Soap fragrances
• Fresh and clean fragrances
• Musk compositions
• Functional fragrances
• Agarbatti and Dhoop fragrance compound
• Home-fragrance formulations
• Air-freshener compounds
• Detergent and cleaning-fragrance compositions

What Aldehyde C-10 Does in a Formula

Used correctly, Aldehyde C-10 can:

Lift – gives the top note more elevation and radiance.

Brighten – makes citrus and floral accords feel fresher.

Diffuse – increases the initial projection of a composition.

Add Sparkle – introduces a distinctive aldehydic brilliance.

Modify Florals – can sharpen and brighten floral bouquets.

Add Citrus Character – creates an orange-peel/citrus-rind effect.

Recommended Perfumery Use

Aldehyde C-10 is a high-impact material and should generally be evaluated at low concentration.

For formulation trials, start with a diluted solution and increase gradually according to the desired effect. Kao reports a typical perfumery dosage range of 0.02–3%.

For professional fragrance development, the appropriate level should always be determined by the complete formula, application, substrate and applicable safety requirements.

Technical Details

Parameter	Specification / Information
Product Name	Aldehyde C-10
Chemical Name	Decanal
Common Name	Decyl Aldehyde
Synonyms	n-Decanal, Capraldehyde, Capric Aldehyde
CAS Number	112-31-2
Molecular Formula	C10H20O
Molecular Weight	156.27 g/mol
Chemical Class	Fatty Aldehyde / Aroma Chemical
Appearance	Colourless to pale-yellow liquid
Odour	Strong citrus, aldehydic, waxy, orange-peel
Olfactive Family	Aldehydic / Citrus
Boiling Point	Approximately 207–209°C
Density	Approximately 0.83 g/mL
Refractive Index	Approximately 1.426–1.430
Water Solubility	Practically insoluble
Alcohol Solubility	Soluble
DPG Compatibility	Soluble
Perfumery Position	Mainly top-note / modifier
Typical Perfumery Use	Approx. 0.02–3%, depending on formula

Technical reference data for decanal include molecular weight 156.27, boiling point around 209°C, refractive index 1.426–1.430 and specific gravity around 0.823–0.832.

Compatibility

Aldehyde C-10 works particularly well with:

• Bergamot
• Lemon
• Orange
• Mandarin
• Grapefruit
• Petitgrain
• Neroli
• Rose
• Jasmine
• Gardenia
• Muguet materials
• Phenethyl alcohol
• Floral aldehydes
• Musk materials
• Woody materials
• Fresh aromatic materials

It can be especially effective where a formula requires citrus freshness combined with aldehydic diffusion.

Professional Formulation Tip

Aldehyde C-10 is not intended to make a fragrance smell simply “more citrusy.” Its real value is its ability to provide radiance, aldehydic lift and orange-peel freshness.

At excessive levels it can become sharp, fatty, waxy or harsh. For this reason, professional perfumers normally build the desired effect gradually from a low dilution rather than adding large quantities directly.

Storage

Store in a tightly closed container in a cool, dry location away from excessive heat and direct light. Supplier technical information also recommends protection from air/oxygen where appropriate.

Safety & Compliance

This product is a concentrated aroma chemical for professional formulation use. It should not be applied neat to skin or used as a consumer product by itself.

For cosmetic, fine-fragrance, soap, detergent or other consumer applications, always check the current IFRA requirements, SDS and supplier documentation for the specific material grade and intended end-use category. IFRA limits can depend on the finished-product application and concentration.

For industrial use and fragrance formulation only.

Why Choose Aldehyde C-10?

Aldehyde C-10 is a useful professional aroma chemical when you need:

Freshness + Citrus Lift + Orange Peel + Aldehydic Sparkle + Diffusion

Its combination of powerful odour strength and distinctive citrus-waxy character makes it a valuable material for both classic aldehydic structures and modern fresh fragrance compositions.