Product Name

ALDEHYDE C12 MNA / 2-METHYLUNDECANAL / METHYL NONYL ACETALDEHYDE

CAS No.: 110-41-8

🟢 Difficulty: Advanced

⏳ Lasting: High

🌸 Note: Top / Heart

Description

Aldehyde C12 MNA, chemically known as 2-Methylundecanal, is a powerful modern aldehydic aroma chemical with a distinctive dry amber, fresh, citrus, metallic and waxy character. It is one of the classic high-impact aldehydes used in perfumery and is valued for its exceptional diffusion and ability to add clarity and lift to a fragrance. Kao Chemicals describes it as providing a powerful dry amber nuance with remarkable freshness and very strong diffusion.

In fragrance construction, C12 MNA is particularly useful as an accent material rather than simply as a conventional top note. It can brighten floral, woody, amber, tobacco, citrus and fresh compositions while creating a sparkling, expansive effect. Its odor can show different facets depending on dosage and the surrounding materials, including metallic, waxy, citrus, incense-like and dry amber nuances.

Its exceptional strength means that even a small quantity can substantially change the character and diffusion of a formula. It is therefore an excellent material for perfumers who want to create a radiant, modern and highly diffusive fragrance structure. Commercial fragrance references list it across many fragrance types and report good substantivity, particularly in functional fragrance applications.

Odor Profile

• Dry amber

• Aldehydic

• Fresh

• Citrus

• Metallic

• Waxy

• Incense-like

• Slightly fruity

• Diffusive

Recommended Formulation Level (Educational guideline only)

• Trace: 0.005–0.02%

• General use: 0.02–0.20%

• High-impact accords: 0.20–0.75%

These are formulation guidelines for perfumers and are not IFRA limits.

Works Well With

• Aldehyde C10

• Aldehyde C11 Undecylenic

• Aldehyde C12 Lauric

• Bergamot Oil

• Lemon Oil

• Hedione

• Linalool

• Linalyl Acetate

• Benzyl Salicylate

• Labdanum

• Olibanum / Frankincense

• Ambroxan

Common Applications

• Fine Fragrance

• Attars

• Aldehydic Perfumes

• Floral Fragrance

• Citrus Fragrance

• Amber Accords

• Woody Fragrance

• Soap

• Body Care

• Home Fragrance

• Fabric Care Fragrance

Perfumers' Tip

Aldehyde C12 MNA is extremely powerful, so work from a low-percentage dilution and add it gradually. A small amount can provide considerable lift and diffusion without necessarily becoming the obvious "aldehyde" note.

For a classic radiant effect, combine it with C10, C11 and C12 aldehydes plus citrus and floral materials. For a darker modern accord, try pairing it with amber, labdanum, incense and woody materials. Allowing the finished composition to rest can also help the aldehydic character integrate more smoothly.