Scentenal ™

Scentenal™ (86803-90-9) Technical Ingredient Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer — Firmenich

• 🔎 Chemical Name — 4,7-Methano-1H-indene-2-carboxaldehyde, octahydro-5-methoxy- (IUPAC)

• 🧪 Synonyms — Scentenal™; Octahydro-5-methoxyindanecarboxaldehyde; 4,7-Methano-1H-indene-2-carboxaldehyde, octahydro-5-methoxy-; 6-Methoxy dicyclopentadiene carboxaldehyde; Ocean carboxaldehyde; 8-methoxytricyclo[5.2.1.02,6]decane-4-carbaldehyde

• 📂 CAS Number — 86803-90-9

• 📘 FEMA Number — Not listed

• ⚖️ Molecular Weight — 194.27 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type — Green-aldehydic, watery-floral, marine; ozonic aldehyde and functional green aldehyde

• 📈 Odor Strength — Strong diffuser; high odor intensity

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile — Metallic-ozonic sparkle, wet-grass freshness, crisp cucumber facets; modifiers/dry-down: watery floral and marine nuances

• ⚗️ Uses — Functional perfumery (laundry, home care), fine fragrance accents; ideal ozonic lift at ~10 ppm; marine notes, juicy fruits, white and light flowers, violet and orris root notes

• 🧴 Appearance — Colorless to pale yellow liquid

What is Scentenal™?

Scentenal™ is a specialty fragrance ingredient developed by Firmenich, characterized chemically as a polycyclic methoxy-aldehyde. It is specifically engineered to provide long-lasting metallic-green freshness combined with strong diffusion, classified as a high-performance ozonic aldehyde (Firmenich, 2023). The distinctive bicyclic molecular architecture of Scentenal™ exhibits remarkable stability, particularly under alkaline and oxidative conditions, making it highly effective in challenging fragrance formulations (Kraft, 2012; Sell, 2019). This durability, combined with its unique olfactory profile, positions it as a preferred choice in both fine fragrance and functional perfumery, serving as an innovative building block for sustainable aquatic, green, and fresh fragrance concepts.

Historical Background

The trademark Scentenal™ was officially registered and protected by Firmenich SA on March 17, 1989 (brand N°536294), though Firmenich has not publicly disclosed the exact year of the molecule's commercial introduction. Its development can be contextualized within the company's ongoing exploration of innovative aldehydic materials, specifically following the commercial success of Calone® in the 1990s.

Scentenal™ emerged from Firmenich's targeted research into polycyclic aldehydes, aiming to overcome the limitations of traditional linear aldehydes such as C9-aldehydes, which often degrade quickly under formulation conditions (Kraft, 2012; Sell, 2019). Leveraging advances in fragrance chemistry, Firmenich created Scentenal™ to offer perfumers a more robust, stable, and enduring green-ozonic note. This positioned Scentenal™ prominently within the evolution of marine and watery fragrance ingredients, enabling the crafting of new, contemporary, and eco-conscious olfactory experiences.

Olfactory Profile

Scent Family

Green-aldehydic and metallic-ozonic

Main Descriptors

Scentenal™ is a distinctive olfactory molecule belonging to the green-aldehydic and metallic-ozonic fragrance families. Renowned for its metallic freshness and remarkable ozonic sparkle, Scentenal™ conjures vivid impressions of freshly cut grass, morning dew on green foliage, and the crisp, watery freshness of cucumber skin. Its pronounced aldehydic notes immediately communicate cleanliness and airy freshness, making it particularly suitable for perfumers aiming to develop contemporary aquatic and marine perfumes.

Intensity

Strong diffusive power with high odor intensity

Tenacity

Prolonged aromatic clarity; substantivity of approximately 287 hours at 100% concentration (as reported in technical literature)

Volatility

Top to middle note; functions as an ozonic top-note impact ingredient with lasting freshness

Nuanced Character

Beyond its compelling top-note effect, Scentenal™ reveals subtle but sophisticated nuances, characterized by watery-floral and delicate marine undertones. These facets enable perfumers to build refined aromatic compositions ranging from elegant cucumber-melon blends to innovative interpretations of ocean-breeze fragrances. The molecular structure of Scentenal™ ensures prolonged aromatic clarity and stability, perfectly aligning with the technical and environmental demands of modern fragrance formulation.

Synergistic Pairings

Scentenal™ demonstrates excellent synergy with related fragrance materials, enhancing complex green-ozonic accords, particularly when paired with:

• Complementary aldehydes: Cyclamen aldehyde, Undecavertol

• Melon aldehydes for fruity-aquatic blends

• Green ionones for leafy-fresh complexity

• Iconic marine ingredients: Calone®, Helional

• Juicy fruit accords and white floral compositions

Its versatile profile meets the growing consumer demand for sustainable, eco-conscious ingredients, positioning Scentenal™ as an essential component in forward-thinking fragrance development.

Applications in Fine Fragrance

Scentenal™ plays a pivotal role in modern fine fragrance compositions, particularly in aquatic, marine, and contemporary fresh accords. Its unique metallic-ozonic character makes it an indispensable tool for perfumers crafting modern aquatic and marine perfumes, where it provides the signature "fresh air" and "sea breeze" impressions that define this category.

Typical Usage Levels

• Fine Fragrance: 0.01% - 0.5% (optimal ozonic impact at ~10 ppm)

• Functional Perfumery: Up to 2% in soaps and candles

• Trace amounts sufficient for significant olfactory contribution

Key Applications

• Marine and Aquatic Accords: Providing authentic oceanic freshness

• Green Chypre Compositions: Adding modern metallic-green facets

• Eau de Colognes: Contributing crisp, watery transparency

• Masculine Fragrances: Enhancing contemporary fresh signatures

• Delicate Floral Fragrances: Adding airy, watery-floral modifiers

• Juicy Fruit Accords: Supporting cucumber-melon and fresh fruit notes

• Violet and Orris Root Notes: Contributing green-aquatic modifiers

Performance in Formula

Scentenal™ exhibits exceptional performance characteristics that distinguish it from conventional aldehydes.

Chemical Stability

• Outstanding stability in alkaline media (pH >8)

• Resistant to oxidative degradation

• Maintains olfactory profile in bleach-containing formulations

• Superior performance compared to traditional linear aldehydes (e.g., C9-aldehydes)

Formulation Behavior

• High solubility in ethanol and other perfumery solvents

• Excellent substantivity in both aqueous and emulsion systems

• Minimal reactivity with other fragrance ingredients

• No significant autoxidation under normal storage conditions

• Compatible with diverse chemical bases in functional applications

Industrial & Technical Uses

Scentenal™ is extensively employed across a wide variety of industrial and technical fragrance applications, notably within the household care and fabric care sectors. Its unique aldehydic structure delivers exceptional performance in laundry detergents and fabric softeners, imparting a long-lasting, clean, and freshly-washed aroma even at very low concentrations.

Laundry and Fabric Care

• Laundry detergents (powder and liquid formulations)

• Fabric softeners and conditioners

• Delivers long-lasting, clean, freshly-washed aroma at very low concentrations

Surface and Home Care

• Household surface cleaners

• Disinfectants and sanitizers

• Dishwashing formulations (hand and automatic)

• Robust olfactory stability in alkaline and bleach-containing formulations

Air Care Products

• Air fresheners and room sprays

• Reed diffusers and continuous air care systems

• Aerosol air care products

• Provides consistent, crisp freshness with strong diffusion

The molecule's reliable performance and compatibility with diverse chemical bases underscore its importance in functional perfumery, allowing formulators to create innovative scent profiles that effectively combine technical rigor with appealing sensory experiences.

Regulatory & Safety Overview

IFRA Status

RESTRICTED (Amendment 51, Standard published 2020)

• Intrinsic Property Driving Risk Management: Dermal Sensitization and Systemic Toxicity

• Standard Reference: Methoxy dicyclopentadiene carboxaldehyde (CAS 86803-90-9)

• Official IFRA Documentation:https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library

Maximum acceptable concentrations have been established for all 12 IFRA product categories based on comprehensive safety assessment by RIFM (Research Institute for Fragrance Materials) and validated by the Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety. The restriction was implemented following evaluation of dermal sensitization and systemic toxicity endpoints.

Implementation Timeline:

• For new creations: February 10, 2021

• For existing creations: February 10, 2022

EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009)

Permitted; does not contain any of the 26 Annex III fragrance allergens at ≥0.01% (Reg 1223/2009). Listed in ECHA database as a restricted substance under Cosmetic Products Regulation, Annex III.

FEMA Status

Not listed (not approved for use in flavoring applications)

Toxicology

Safety assessment completed by RIFM. Maximum acceptable concentrations are based on comprehensive safety assessment considering dermal sensitization and systemic toxicity endpoints.

Key Safety Data:

• Low acute toxicity

• Non-bioaccumulative

• Does not contain fragrance allergens

• Complete RIFM safety assessment available at: http://fragrancematerialsafetyresource.elsevier.com/

Environmental Profil

Fragrance ingredient assessed following RIFM's standardized environmental safety framework (Salvito et al., 2002).

Important Note: Formulators must ensure compliance with IFRA Standards by obtaining IFRA Certificates of Conformity from fragrance suppliers. Maximum concentrations vary by product category based on consumer exposure patterns and use conditions.

References

• Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Bruze, M., Cadby, P., Calow, P., Dagli, M. L., Dekant, W., Dent, M., Ellis, G., Fryer, A. D., Fukayama, M., Griem, P., Hickey, C., Kromidas, L., Lalko, J., Liebler, D. C., Miyachi, Y., Politano, V. T., Renskers, K., ... Wilcox, D. K. (2015). Criteria for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) safety evaluation process for fragrance ingredients. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 82(Suppl), S1-S19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.014

• Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Biserta, S., Botelho, D., Bruze, M., Burton, G. A. Jr., Buschmann, J., Cancellieri, M. A., Dagli, M. L., Date, M., Dekant, W., Deodhar, C., Fryer, A. D., Gadhia, S., Jones, L., Joshi, K., Lapczynski, A., Lavelle, M., Liebler, D. C., ... Tokura, Y. (2019). RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, methoxy dicyclopentadiene carboxaldehyde, CAS Registry Number 86803-90-9. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 134(Suppl. 1), 110826. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2019.110826

• European Commission. (2024). CosIng – Cosmetic Ingredient Database. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/

• Firmenich. (2023). Scentenal™ product sheet. Firmenich Ingredients Compendium.

• IFRA. (2023). Index of IFRA Standards – 51st Amendment. International Fragrance Association. Retrieved from https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library

• IFRA. (2020). IFRA Standard: Methoxy dicyclopentadiene carboxaldehyde (Amendment 49). International Fragrance Association.

• Kraft, P. (2012). New structures and olfactory innovations. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 9(8), 1784–1796. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201200155

• Kraft, P., Bajgrowicz, J. A., Denis, C., & Frater, G. (2000). Odds and trends: Recent developments in the chemistry of odorants. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 39(17), 2980-3010. https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.200000051

• PubChem. (2025). Compound summary for CID 163529 (Scentenal™, CAS 86803-90-9). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/163529

• Salvito, D. T., Senna, R. J., & Federle, T. W. (2002). A framework for prioritizing fragrance materials for aquatic risk assessment. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 21(6), 1301-1308. https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620210624

• Sell, C. S. (2019). Chemistry and the Sense of Smell. John Wiley & Sons.