Chemical Name: 3,4-Methylenedioxybenzaldehyde
Common Name: Piperonal (also known as Heliotropin in perfumery)
Molecular Formula: C₈H₆O₃
Molecular Weight: 150.13 g/mol
CAS Number: 120-57-0
Appearance: White crystalline solid
Odor: Sweet, powdery, vanilla-like, almondy, floral (heliotrope-like)
Melting Point: 36–39°C
Boiling Point: ~263°C (505°F)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and oils
Functional Group: Aromatic aldehyde
Perfumery Profile
Scent Profile:
- Sweet and floral, with strong resemblance to heliotrope flowers
- Notes of vanilla, almond, and powder
- Slightly balsamic and comforting
- Often described as having a “marzipan” or play-dough warmth
Use in Perfumery:
- Used to create soft, sweet, comforting notes in floral, gourmand, and powdery fragrances
- Often included in orientals, amber, floral, and vintage-style perfumes
- Enhances notes like vanilla, tonka bean, violet, and almond
- A key player in baby powder and soft cosmetic accords
Fragrance Families:
- Floral (especially heliotrope and violet-based)
- Gourmand
- Powdery
- Oriental
- Balsamic
Natural Source:
- Found in trace amounts in vanilla beans, tonka beans, and black pepper, but almost always synthetically produced for perfumery
Notable Uses:
- Common in classic compositions such as L’Heure Bleue by Guerlain and Kenzo Flower
- Frequently used in creating “cosmetic powder” accords and nostalgic scent profiles