Cuminic aldehyde (CAS 0122-03-02) — Spicy Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Cuminic aldehyde
CAS 0122-03-02
What Is Cuminic aldehyde?
Cuminic aldehyde is a synthetic fragrance compound that replicates the warm, spicy aroma of cumin seeds. People encounter it in savory food flavorings, some perfumes, and household products where a cumin-like note is desired. This molecule matters because it provides an affordable, consistent alternative to natural cumin oil, which can vary in quality and contain allergens.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Cuminic aldehyde Smell Like?
Cuminic aldehyde bursts with an intensely warm, earthy-spicy character reminiscent of crushed cumin seeds and sun-baked Mediterranean herbs. The initial impression is almost meaty, with a leathery undertone that evolves into a dry, woody-herbaceous heart. Unlike natural cumin oil, the synthetic version lacks the fatty, sweaty undertones, presenting a cleaner profile that lingers as a persistent aromatic spice note without overwhelming compositions.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used sparingly to create an illusion of sun-warmed coastal herbs blending with sea air, adding depth to the aquatic accord without overt cumin realism.
Provides a dry, peppery illusion in the spice pyramid, complementing pink pepper and elemi with its persistent woody-spicy trail.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Cuminic aldehyde (4-isopropylbenzaldehyde) belongs to the aromatic aldehyde class, structurally similar to cuminaldehyde but with consistent synthetic purity. It’s synthesized through Friedel-Crafts acylation of cumene followed by oxidation. The synthetic route eliminates natural variability and allergenic co-components found in cumin essential oil. The planar aromatic ring system contributes to its excellent stability in formulations.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 235-237 °C |
| Density | 0.98 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Powerful modifier for spice accords |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.3% | Adds warmth to cleaning products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use below 0.5% to avoid dominating compositions; excellent for adding dry spice to amber bases.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Natural counterpart from cumin oil, more complex but variable; use when natural authenticity is prioritized over consistency.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA. Listed in IFRA Transparency List Amendment 51.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation ongoing; currently approved with usage limits based on skin sensitization potential.
Sustainability
Synthetic production avoids agricultural impacts of cumin cultivation. Manufacturing typically uses petrochemical feedstocks, though green chemistry routes are being explored. Consistent quality reduces batch-to-batch variation and waste in fragrance compounding.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781439847503
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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