Paradisamide™ – Fresh Grapefruit Amide Note
Paradisamide™ by Givaudan – The Complete Reference
A molecule that emerged from an academic study on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, turned out to be the "preferred compound" of a whole family of new fragrance molecules – and along the way brought with it a property that has nothing to do with perfumery at all.
Contents
- What is Paradisamide?
- Origin – from academic spectroscopy to patent
- An unusual secondary property
- What does it smell like?
- Role in the formula
- Quick reference: chemistry and safety
- Frequently asked questions
1. What is Paradisamide?
Paradisamide is Givaudan's brand name for 2-ethyl-N-methyl-N-(3-methylphenyl)butanamide (CAS 406488-30-0), a synthetic aroma molecule from the class of N,N-disubstituted amides with a long-lasting, tropical-fruity character.
2. Origin – from academic spectroscopy to patent
The story of this molecule class begins not in perfumery, but in academic chemistry: a study published in 1966 in the renowned Journal of the American Chemical Society by T. H. Siddall and colleagues investigated N,N-disubstituted amides by means of proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy – pure fundamental research on molecular structure, without any relation to aroma materials.
Years later, Givaudan took up this class of compounds and identified, within a whole family of new N,N-disubstituted amides, a compound with particularly interesting, pleasant odor properties – in the underlying patent simply designated "Compound 1" and described as "the currently preferred compound" of the entire invention. This compound is Paradisamide.
3. An unusual secondary property
The patent records a property that has nothing to do with the actual use as an aroma material: according to the patent specification, Paradisamide shows an insect-repellent effect comparable to that of N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (the globally widespread insect repellent known as DEET). This is a purely structural-chemical secondary property of the molecule class – in our range, Paradisamide is carried exclusively as an aroma material for perfumery, not as a repellent.
More practically relevant is a second property documented in the same patent: good substantivity on wet fabric and moderate substantivity on dry fabric – a basis for why the material also proves itself in laundry and textile applications.
4. What does it smell like?
Givaudan describes the official sensory profile as tropical-fruity: guava, passion fruit, grapefruit, rhubarb and cassis. The Spanish perfumer and specialist author Arcadi Boix Camps described the material in 2009 in his book "Perfumery: Techniques in Evolution" as extremely powerful-citrusy, with a metallic note reminiscent of grapefruit and rhubarb-like facets.
5. Role in the formula
According to the manufacturer, Paradisamide is suited to overdosing tropical fruit accords (up to 20%) for an intense, exotic effect, or in a lower dosage to give other fruity compositions a juicy-tropical twist. A synergy officially documented by Givaudan combines 20% Paradisamide with 80% Methyl Laitone 10%/TEC into an intense tropical fruit accord.
6. Quick reference: chemistry and safety
You will find the complete physico-chemical data as well as the safety information on the product page. In summary: a tropical-fruity amide molecule by Givaudan, classified with the signal word "Warning" according to the current safety data sheet (version 9.0, 2024) – please read the safety information carefully before use.
Frequently asked questions about Paradisamide
Is Paradisamide the same as an insect repellent?
No. The patent underlying the invention merely records a structural-chemical secondary property with an insect-repellent effect. Paradisamide is sold and used exclusively as an aroma material for perfumery – not as a repellent.
Where does the molecule class of Paradisamide come from?
From an academic study on the nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy of N,N-disubstituted amides published in 1966. Givaudan later developed from it its own family of new fragrance molecules, from which Paradisamide emerged as the preferred compound.
What does Paradisamide smell like?
Tropical-fruity: guava, passion fruit, grapefruit, rhubarb and cassis, according to Givaudan's official sensory profile.
What does Paradisamide combine well with?
Officially documented is the synergy with Methyl Laitone 10%/TEC in a ratio of 20:80 for an intense tropical fruit accord.