Acetaldehyde cyclic propylene glycol acetal (CAS 3390-12-3) — Green Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

Green · Citrus

Acetaldehyde cyclic propylene glycol acetal

CAS 3390-12-3

Origin
synthetic
Note
Top
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Acetaldehyde cyclic propylene glycol acetal?

Acetaldehyde cyclic propylene glycol acetal is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used to add fresh, green, and slightly fruity nuances to perfumes. It’s found in some modern floral and citrus fragrances. This molecule helps create crisp top notes that evolve into more complex scents, making fragrances feel more dynamic and lively as they develop on skin.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Used in regulated cosmetic products
Potential sensitizer at high concentrations
CAS
3390-12-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Citrus
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Acetaldehyde cyclic propylene glycol acetal Smell Like?

This acetal delivers a bright, diffusive aroma with pronounced green apple and fresh-cut grass facets. The opening is sharply aldehydic, reminiscent of freshly peeled citrus zest, which quickly mellows into a watery cucumber-like freshness. As it dries down, subtle floral undertones emerge, like the dewy petals of spring blossoms. The overall effect is crisp and transparent, with excellent lift that makes it ideal for top notes in modern compositions.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

2,4-Dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane

SMILES: CC1COC(C)O1

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Acetaldehyde cyclic propylene glycol acetal belongs to the acetal class of organic compounds, formed by the reaction of acetaldehyde with propylene glycol. Acetals are valued in perfumery for their stability compared to parent aldehydes. This particular acetal is entirely synthetic, produced through acid-catalyzed condensation reactions. The cyclic structure provides enhanced volatility control, releasing the fresh aldehyde character more gradually than free acetaldehyde.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
Moderate (1-2 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Adds fresh top notes
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%For light freshness

Classic Accords

Tip: Use with citrus oils to enhance diffusion and create sparkling top notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Floralozone CAS 67634-15-5

For similar fresh effects with more floral character and better stability in functional products.

2
Melonal CAS 106-72-9

When a more pronounced green melon note is desired instead of the apple-like freshness.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No specific IFRA restrictions. General guidelines for aldehydes should be observed.

RIFM Assessment

Not currently assessed by RIFM. Use at moderate levels pending further safety data.

Sustainability

As a synthetic material, this acetal has consistent quality and doesn’t rely on natural resource extraction. The production can be optimized for energy efficiency, though some processes may involve petrochemical feedstocks. Being used at low concentrations in formulations, its environmental impact is relatively small compared to bulk ingredients.

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References

    Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 3390-12-3

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight102.13 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)0.7🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point102 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure46.7735 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point13.8 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Involatility Index4.9883💻 Calculated
    log Kp (skin permeability)-2.826💻 Calculated
    SMILESCC1COC(O1)C🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteTop💻 Calculated
    Volatility ClassVery fast💻 Calculated
    Persistence Score0.5 / 5💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Primary Descriptorsbutteryetherealfruitygreensweet• leffingwell
    Functional Groupsether💻 RDKit
    Data Sources & Attribution
    Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID90863166

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 102.133 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.925 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
    Boiling Point 98.941 °C📊 OPERA
    Melting Point -57.703 °C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point 11.166 °C📊 OPERA
    Refractive Index 1.393 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 110.786 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 0.528 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 0.528 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 0.528 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 3.26 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    Water Solubility 1.409 mol/L📊 OPERA
    Henry's Law Constant 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA

    Transport Properties

    Vapor Pressure 52.961 mmHg📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 0.894 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 25.279 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 127.407 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 18.46 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 2 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 0 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 26.462 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 10.49 Å^3📊 OPERA

    Data Sources:

    🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.

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