Aldehyde

Origin

Synthetic (first synthesised in the late 19th century; also occur naturally in trace amounts in some plants)

The smell

Waxy, sparkling, metallic, soapy, diffusive

Key quality

Abstract. Lifts composition away from its natural reference. Aldehyde C10 (Decanal) is metallic, soapy, sparkling. Think of sun-warmed orange peel with a radiant and effervescent luminosity. A bright, sparkling burst of fresh rind, like sunlight caught on citrus skin. It lifts a fragrance skyward, adding luminous freshness and projection. As a top-note amplifier it brightens and extends freshness in a formula. Feature fragrances include Chanel No. 5 (1921) and Lanvin Arpège (1927)

Historical use

Used sparingly in late 19th and early 20th century perfumery as a brightening accent in floral compositions; transformed into a dominant structure in Chanel No. 5.