Myraldene ®

Synthetic Ingredient Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer: Givaudan (original patent holder)

• 🔎 Chemical Name: 3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal

• 🧪 Synonyms: Myraldene, Empetal

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C13H20O

• 📂 CAS N°: 37677-14-8 / 52475-89-5

• ⚖️ MW: 192.30 g/mol

• ♨️ Vapor Pressure (20 °C): 0.0067 hPa

• 📝 Odor Type: Aldehydic

• 📈 Odor Strength: High (recommended in dilution); Medium tenacity

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Powerful, penetrating, waxy-citrusy; becomes fresh, clean, floral in dilution; comparable to dodecanal, cyclamal, and myristic aldehyde

• 👅 Flavor Profile: Waxy, slightly bitter, not pleasant

• ⚗️ Uses: Modifier, aldehydic booster, detergent fragrance base

• 🧴 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid

What is Myraldene / Empetal?

Myraldene is a non-linear, branched aliphatic aldehyde belonging to the terpenoid chemical class. Structurally related to synthetic musks and derived from substituted benzyl aldehydes, it is the chemical precursor to Lyral, though direct hydration yields poor efficiency. Its compact structure and low cost make it suitable for use in high-volume fragrance products, especially where aldehydic lift is needed without the fatty character of straight-chain aldehydes.

Olfactory Profile & Perfumery Applications

👃🏼 Odor: Sharp, aldehydic, waxy-citrusy in concentrate. Diluted, it reveals a light floral quality reminiscent of lilac and muguet.
⚗️ Functionality: Boosts brightness and aldehydic character in citrus, marine, and floral compositions.
🧴 Applications: Suitable for soap, detergent, and industrial perfumery due to its resistance to alkaline environments. Also functions well in fabric care and household cleaners.

🔗 Synergies: Performs well with ionones, cedarwood-derived cyclohexane compounds, and musky or ozonic elements in aquatic and fresh accords.

Industrial & Technical Uses

Myraldene is commonly used in:

• Bar and liquid soaps

• Industrial cleaners

• Laundry care products

• Air care and masking fragrances

Its high performance-to-cost ratio and functional freshness make it a reliable component in formulations requiring aldehydic top lift and long-lasting presence.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

• IFRA: Not currently restricted; however, note its chemical proximity to Lyral (now banned under IFRA 51st Amendment)

• EU Allergens: Not among the 26 listed fragrance allergens

• FEMA: Not GRAS; not suitable for flavor applications

• ECHA (REACH): Low vapor pressure; no current classification as sensitizer or CMR

• Toxicology: No known sensitization issues at typical use levels; low oral palatability and not suitable for ingestion

Additional Information

• Originally patented by Givaudan (1970s)

• Serves as the immediate precursor to Lyral

• Frequently used by Fulvio Ciccolo in marine and citrus-fresh accords

• Enhances bergamot and top citrus notes with clean aldehydic brilliance

Sources

• Fulvio Ciccolo, 2022

• Perfume and Flavor Chemicals – S. Arctander, 1969

• A Fragrant Introduction to Terpenoid Chemistry – Charles S. Sell

• ECHA Substance Information

• IFRA 51st Amendment