Floral Butanal (Florhydral)

Floral Butanal (Florhydral®) - Technical Ingredient Overview

• 🔎 Chemical Name — 3-(3-Isopropylphenyl)butanal

• 🧪 Synonyms — Florhydral®, Floral Butanal, β-Methyl-3-(1-methylethyl)benzenepropanal, Isopropylphenylbutanal, 3-(3-propan-2-ylphenyl)butanal, Benzenepropanal, β-methyl-3-(1-methylethyl)-

• 📂 CAS Number — 125109-85-5

• 🆔 EINECS Number — 412-050-4

• 📘 FEMA Number — Not applicable (not approved for flavor use)

• ⚖️ Molecular Weight — 190.28 g/mol (190.29 g/mol)

• 📐 Molecular Formula — C₁₃H₁₈O

• 📝 Odor Type — Floral, Green, Aldehydic

• 📈 Odor Strength — Medium to Strong; highly diffusive

• 🌡️ Odor Threshold — 0.035 ng/L air [(+)-enantiomer]; 0.88 ng/L air [(-)-enantiomer]

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile — Fresh, muguet (lily of the valley), watery, green, aldehydic, slightly ozonic, with natural floral transparency. The racemate presents a balanced floral-green character with dewy freshness.

• ⚗️ Uses — Fine fragrance, functional perfumery (soaps, detergents, shampoos), personal care formulations, candles, burning applications

• 🧴 Appearance — Colorless to pale yellow liquid

• 🔬 Physical Properties —

  • Density: 0.935–0.954 g/cm³ at 25°C

  • Boiling Point: 251.3°C at 760 mmHg (257°C)

  • Flash Point: 103.6°C (68°C)

  • Vapor Pressure: 0.0200 hPa (0.65 Pa at 20°C)

  • Log P (octanol/water): 3.8

  • Refractive Index: 1.504–1.508 (n²⁰D)

What is Floral Butanal (Florhydral®)?

Floral Butanal, commercially known as Florhydral®, is a synthetic aliphatic aldehyde developed by Givaudan. It is classified chemically as a substituted benzenepropanal with a bulky isopropyl substituent at the meta-position of the phenyl ring. The molecule features an asymmetric carbon center, resulting in two enantiomeric forms with distinct olfactory properties (Bovo et al., 2008).

Florhydral® belongs to the aldehydic-floral chemical family and serves as a key building block for modern muguet (lily of the valley) reconstructions. Unlike many floral aldehydes, Florhydral® offers a naturalistic green nuance combined with high diffusivity and stability across diverse formulation matrices. The material exists as a racemic mixture in commercial use, though individual enantiomers have been synthesized for research purposes.

Chemical Classification:

• Aromatic aldehyde

• Substituted benzenepropanal

• Aliphatic aldehyde with aromatic substituent

• Positional isomer of Cyclamen Aldehyde

The compound does not occur naturally and is produced exclusively through synthetic routes (Chalk, 1988).

Historical Background

Florhydral® was developed by Givaudan during the late 20th century, emerging from the perfumery industry's growing demand for stable, allergen-reduced floral notes. The compound was first disclosed in US Patent 4,910,346, filed by A. Chalk for Givaudan Corporation and published on November 10, 1988 (Chalk, 1988).

Historical Context: The development of Florhydral® addressed a critical challenge in perfumery: the impracticality of natural muguet (lily of the valley) extraction. Convallaria majalis (lily of the valley) produces insufficient quantities of extractable volatile compounds for commercial perfumery, driving innovation toward synthetic interpretations throughout the 20th century. Earlier materials like hydroxycitronellal and Bourgeonal (p-tert-butyl-α-methylhydrocinnamaldehyde) dominated muguet compositions, but regulatory pressures and allergenicity concerns created demand for alternatives (Bauer et al., 2001).

Key Milestones:

• 1988: Patent filing and publication describing hydroformylation synthesis route

• Late 1980s–1990s: Commercial introduction by Givaudan

• 2000s: Increased adoption following IFRA restrictions on competing materials

• 2006: Publication of improved synthetic methodologies including enantioselective routes (Scrivanti et al., 2006)

• 2010s–Present: Establishment as industry benchmark for modern muguet reconstructions, particularly following the EU ban on Lyral (2019–2021)

Florhydral® represents Givaudan's strategic response to combine fresh floral aldehydic impact with improved solubility, stability, and reduced allergen risk compared to earlier-generation materials (Sell, 2019).

Olfactory Profile

Scent Family

Primary: Floral-Green

Secondary: Aldehydic, Aquatic-Ozonic

Main Descriptors

• Fresh: Clean, transparent, dewy character

• Muguet: Classic lily of the valley signature

• Green: Natural, vegetal undertones

• Aldehydic: Crisp, airy quality typical of modern aldehydes

• Watery: Aqueous, slightly marine aspect

• Ozonic: Subtle airy freshness (less pronounced than dedicated ozonic materials)

The racemate delivers a balanced floral profile. The (+)-(S)-enantiomer exhibits a more pronounced green, less watery character with greater power (odor threshold 0.035 ng/L air). The (−)-(R)-enantiomer presents a more marine, plastic undertone with reduced intensity (odor threshold 0.88 ng/L air) (Bovo et al., 2008).

Intensity

Medium to strong diffusive strength. Florhydral® demonstrates remarkable intensity relative to many classical floral materials, making it effective at low concentrations (typically 0.2–2% in concentrate). The material's high volatility and low odor threshold ensure immediate top-note presence despite being technically a heart note material.

Tenacity

Moderate longevity typical of mid-weight aldehydes. Approximate one-week persistence on smelling strips under standard conditions. Substantivity varies by application:

• Fine fragrance (alcohol): 4–6 hours on skin

• Soap/detergent: excellent retention through wash cycle with persistent residual odor

• Candles/burning formats: very good performance; stable under heat

Volatility

Medium volatility — Florhydral® functions as a heart note in technical classification due to molecular weight (190.28) and vapor pressure (0.02 hPa). However, its low odor threshold and high diffusivity create significant top-note impact in actual compositions. The material bridges traditional top/heart note boundaries.

Evaporation behavior:

• Initial burst: aldehydic-green freshness (first 10–30 minutes)

• Heart development: floral muguet character emerges (30 minutes–4 hours)

• Dry-down: subtle watery-green traces (4–6 hours)

Fixative Role

Not a fixative. Florhydral® contributes to fragrance structure through its bridging volatility but does not extend the longevity of base notes. The material enhances radiance and lift in mid-phase accords, creating volume in floral bouquets without weighing down compositions.

Applications in Fine Fragrance

Florhydral® serves multiple strategic functions in modern perfumery:

Primary Applications

• Muguet reconstructions: Core component for lily of the valley accords, often combined with Hydroxycitronellal (where permitted), Lilial alternatives, Cyclamen Aldehyde, and floral aldehydes

• White floral bouquets: Adds transparent freshness to gardenia, jasmine, and tuberose compositions

• Green floral accords: Enhances natural "stem" character in rose, hyacinth, and linden blossom

• Citrus modifiers: Provides natural volume and floral lift to citrus top notes without heaviness

• Aquatic florals: Bridges floral and ozonic families in marine-inspired fragrances

Typical Accords & Combinations

Classic Muguet Accord (example ratios):

• Florhydral®: 20–30%

• Hydroxycitronellal: 30–40% (where permitted)

• Cyclamen Aldehyde: 10–15%

• Helional: 5–10%

• Aldehyde C-14 (Gamma Undecalactone): 3–5%

• Geraniol/Linalool: 10–15%

Synergistic Pairings:

• With aldehydes (Decanal, Undecanal): Creates "aldehydic note" signature; Florhydral® naturalizes synthetic aldehydic accords

• With ozonic materials (Ultrazur®, Calone): Recommended 4:1 ratio (Florhydral®:Ultrazur®) produces aquatic-floral transparency

• With citrus notes (Bergamot, Lemon, Grapefruit): Exalts citrus character while adding floral depth

• With green notes (Cis-3-Hexenol, Galbanum, Violet Leaf): Reinforces natural stem/leaf aspects

Pairing Behavior

Florhydral® demonstrates excellent compatibility across functional groups. The material's neutral pH profile and chemical stability allow blending with:

• Acid-sensitive materials (most perfume bases)

• Oxidation-prone naturals (citrus oils)

• Reactive aldehydes and ketones

Avoid in: Highly acidic bases (certain detergent formulations) and strong alkaline media (liquid bleach), where hydrolysis may occur.

Performance in Formula

Behavior in Blends

Florhydral® exhibits cooperative enhancement rather than dominance in mixtures. Key performance characteristics:

• Diffusivity: High radiance creates immediate presence in headspace without overwhelming

• Blending: Integrates seamlessly into both natural and synthetic frameworks

• Stability: Resistant to oxidation; maintains character over typical product shelf life

• Dosage response: Linear impact from 0.2% (subtle lift) to 2% (pronounced floral character); above 2%, aldehydic aspect may become dominant

Impact on Overall Composition

• Volume and lift: Adds three-dimensional fullness to flat floral accords

• Freshness modifier: Neutralizes heavy, indolic, or animalic undertones

• Transparency: Creates "air" and space within dense compositions

• Naturalization: Reduces synthetic perception in technical formulations

Stability Considerations:

• Excellent in alcoholic solutions (perfumes, eaux de toilette)

• Very good in emulsions (creams, lotions)

• Good in anhydrous systems (oils, waxes)

• Suitable for burning applications (candles, incense) — maintains character under heat

• Compatible with soap matrices; survives saponification process

Recommended usage levels:

• Fine fragrance: 0.2–2% of concentrate

• Functional perfumery: 0.5–1% of concentrate

• Muguet-focused compositions: up to 5–7% of concentrate

• Soap perfumes: 1–2% of concentrate

Final Notes

Florhydral® (CAS 125109-85-5) represents a modern benchmark in synthetic floral perfumery. Its combination of naturalistic muguet character, regulatory freedom, and formulation versatility makes it an essential tool for contemporary perfumers. Following the phase-out of Lyral and increasing restrictions on traditional muguet materials, Florhydral® has assumed greater strategic importance in floral perfumery.

The material's lack of IFRA restrictions, absence from EU allergen lists, and excellent performance across fine and functional applications position it as a cornerstone ingredient for lily of the valley reconstructions and fresh floral compositions. Perfumers value Florhydral® for its ability to create natural transparency and volume in floral accords while maintaining technical stability and safety compliance.

Scentspiracy Recommendation: Florhydral® is suitable for perfumers at all skill levels. Begin testing at 0.5–1% in simple floral bases to understand its character before incorporating into complex compositions. The material's high diffusivity means small adjustments significantly impact headspace presence.

Industrial & Technical Uses

While Florhydral® is primarily a perfumery material, its applications extend to functional products:

Functional Perfumery Applications

• Laundry products: Detergents, fabric softeners — valued for fresh residual odor on fabrics

• Personal care: Shampoos, shower gels, body lotions — provides clean floral signature

• Household products: Air fresheners, surface cleaners — contributes long-lasting freshness

• Candles and incense: Excellent performance in burning formats; heat-stable

Technical Specifications for Formulation

• Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, propylene glycol, diethyl phthalate (DEP), isopropyl myristate (IPM); limited solubility in water

• pH stability: Stable in pH range 4–9; avoid extremes

• Oxidative stability: Good resistance to oxidation; no antioxidant required for standard applications

• Photostability: Moderate — recommend UV-protective packaging for long-term storage

Non-Fragrance Applications

Not applicable — Florhydral® has no approved food/flavor use (no FEMA GRAS status) and is not employed in pharmaceutical or industrial chemical synthesis outside perfumery.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

IFRA Status

Florhydral® (CAS 125109-85-5) is not restricted by IFRA as of Amendment 51 (current as of 2025). The material does not appear on the IFRA Standards or Prohibited Lists. Perfumers may use Florhydral® without category-specific limitations, making it a valuable alternative to restricted materials like Lyral (banned) and Bourgeonal (restricted to 0.5%) (IFRA, 2025).

IFRA Transparency List: Florhydral® appears on the IFRA Transparency List, requiring declaration when used in fragrance compounds for transparency purposes.

Note: While not restricted by IFRA, users should always consult the latest IFRA Amendment for updates. No official IFRA limit documentation available at IFRA official website.

EU Cosmetics Regulation

Permitted without specific restrictions under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. Florhydral® is not listed among the EU's 26 declarable fragrance allergens (Annex III), meaning it does not require individual declaration on cosmetic product labels (European Commission, 2009).

Standard safety assessments per Article 10 of the Cosmetics Regulation apply, requiring manufacturers to ensure safety at intended use levels.

REACH Status

Florhydral® is fully compliant with REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations. The substance is registered under REACH with EINECS number 412-050-4 and is classified with the following harmonized classification:

GHS/CLP Classification:

• H411: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (Category 2)

• Signal Word: Warning

Labelling Requirements:

• Pictogram: GHS09 (Environment)

• Hazard statement: H411

• Precautionary statements: P273 (Avoid release to the environment), P391 (Collect spillage), P501 (Dispose according to regulations)

Allergen Risk

Low allergen potential. Florhydral® is not listed among the 26 fragrance allergens regulated under EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III. The material is not classified as a skin sensitizer under CLP/GHS at normal usage concentrations (European Chemicals Agency, 2025).

Studies indicate low acute toxicity and absence of sensitization at recommended use levels (Firmenich, 2020). However, as with all fragrance materials, patch testing is recommended for sensitive individuals.

Toxicology

• Acute Toxicity: Low; LD₅₀ values indicate minimal acute toxicity risk

• Skin Sensitization: Not classified as a sensitizer at typical use concentrations

• Reproductive Toxicity: No evidence of reproductive or developmental toxicity

• Mutagenicity: No mutagenic activity detected in standard assays

• Environmental Fate: Moderate aquatic toxicity (H411); biodegradable with proper treatment

Safety Profile Summary: Florhydral® demonstrates a favorable safety profile for cosmetic and perfumery applications when used according to good manufacturing practices and recommended dosage guidelines (Givaudan, 2020; Firmenich, 2020).

Additional Regulatory Notes

• FDA Status (US): Not regulated as a cosmetic ingredient; generally recognized as safe for use in fragrances

• California Prop 65: Not listed

• Nordic Swan Ecolabel: Permitted; complies with general requirements for fragrances in cosmetics (O7, O9)

Synthesis & Chemical Considerations

Industrial Synthesis

Florhydral® is produced commercially via rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of m-diisopropenylbenzene (1,3-diisopropenylbenzene). This reaction introduces a formyl group (-CHO) to the double bond, yielding the aldehyde structure (Chalk, 1988; Scrivanti et al., 2006).

Synthesis Route:

1. Substrate: m-Diisopropenylbenzene

2. Catalyst: Rhodium complex (RhH(CO)(PPh₃)₃ or similar)

3. Conditions: 140°C, 17 atm syngas (CO/H₂ = 1:1)

4. Product: 3-(3-isopropenylphenyl)butyraldehyde (intermediate)

5. Hydrogenation: Catalytic reduction of remaining double bond yields Florhydral®

Key Challenges:

• Conversion must be limited to ~40% to minimize formation of unwanted dialdehyde byproduct

• Regioselectivity control critical for product purity

• Alternative routes using 1-isopropyl-3-isopropenylbenzene provide better chemo- and regioselectivity

Enantioselective Synthesis: Academic research has demonstrated asymmetric hydroformylation and hydrogenation routes to enantiomerically enriched Florhydral® using chiral phosphine ligands (e.g., BINAP, Xantphos), achieving up to 97% enantiomeric excess (Bovo et al., 2008). However, commercial production uses the racemic mixture.

Chemical Stability

• Oxidation: Resistant to autoxidation under normal storage conditions

• Hydrolysis: Stable at neutral pH; susceptible to hydrolysis in strong acid or base

• Polymerization: No polymerization tendency

• Photolysis: Moderate photostability; store in amber glass or UV-protective containers

Storage & Handling

Storage Conditions:

• Store in tightly sealed containers

• Keep cool (15–25°C), dry, dark environment

• Protect from light (amber glass recommended)

• Keep away from oxidizing agents and strong acids/bases

• Store under inert atmosphere (nitrogen) for long-term stability

Shelf Life: Typically 12–24 months under proper storage conditions

Handling Precautions:

• Use in well-ventilated areas

• Avoid release to environment (H411)

• Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection) when handling neat material

• Follow standard perfumery laboratory practices

References

• Bauer, K., Garbe, D., & Surburg, H. (2001). Common fragrance and flavor materials: Preparation, properties and uses(4th ed.). Wiley-VCH. https://doi.org/10.1002/3527600213

• Bovo, S., Scrivanti, A., Bertoldini, M., Beghetto, V., & Matteoli, U. (2008). A new enantioselective catalytic route to Florhydral®. Synthesis, 16, 2547–2550.

• Chalk, A. (1988). Process for preparing aldehydes. US Patent 4,910,346. Givaudan Corporation.

• European Chemicals Agency. (2025). Registered substances database. Retrieved from https://echa.europa.eu/information-on-chemicals/registered-substances

• European Commission. (2009). Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products. Official Journal of the European Union, L342/59.

• Firmenich. (2020). Florhydral® technical data sheet. Internal technical documentation.

• Givaudan. (2020). Florhydral™ product information. Retrieved from https://www.givaudan.com/fragrance-beauty/eindex/florhydraltm

• IFRA. (2025). IFRA Standards: Amendment 51. International Fragrance Association. Retrieved from https://ifrafragrance.org/standards

• PubChem. (2025). Isopropylphenylbutanal (CID 86209). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/86209

• Scrivanti, A., Bertoldini, M., Beghetto, V., Matteoli, U., & Venzo, A. (2006). Hydroformylation of m-diisopropenylbenzene and 1-isopropyl-3-isopropenylbenzene for the preparation of the fragrance Florhydral®. Journal of Molecular Catalysis A: Chemical, 247(1–2), 238–244. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molcata.2005.11.047

• Sell, C. (2019). Chemistry and the sense of smell. Wiley. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118522981