Chemical Name: Hydroxycitronellal
Other Name: 7-Hydroxy-3,7-dimethyloctanal
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₂₀O₂
Molecular Weight: 172.27 g/mol
CAS Number: 107-75-5
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Sweet, floral, fresh, slightly citrusy
Boiling Point: ~260°C (500°F)
Flash Point: ~110°C (230°F)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and oils
Functional Group: Aldehyde and alcohol (–CHO and –OH)
Perfumery Profile
Scent Profile:
- Fresh floral (notably lily and muguet/lily-of-the-valley)
- Lightly citrus
- Slightly green and watery
- Soft and powdery drydown
Use in Perfumery:
- A key muguet (lily-of-the-valley) note, lending freshness and brightness to floral compositions
- Often used in fine fragrance, soaps, and detergents for its clean, dewy floral character
- Blends well with other floral materials such as rose, jasmine, and ylang-ylang
- Acts as a bridging note between citrus top notes and floral hearts
Fragrance Families:
- Floral
- Green
- Citrus
- Fresh
Notable Fragrance Use:
- Prominently used in Diorissimo (Dior) and other classic muguet-themed scents
- Common in formulations mimicking natural lily-of-the-valley, which cannot be distilled
- Found in both fine fragrances and functional perfumery for its pleasant, approachable character