IFF
Helional® (IFF) | Ocean Propanal – Perfumery Raw Material
Helional® (IFF) | Ocean Propanal – Perfumery Raw Material
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Helional® – IFF
Helional brings an unusual combination into a formula: a green-floral cyclamen note together with ozone and freshly mown hay. This mix of fresh and powdery-green makes it one of the most versatile materials for clean, airy fragrance directions.
IFF's official scent description reads verbatim: "Green, floral (cyclamen) with top notes of ozone and new mown hay."
Odor character
- Green, floral (cyclamen), with top notes of ozone and freshly mown hay (official IFF description)
- Clear, clean, airy
- Colorless to pale yellow, liquid – the color may deepen over time
In practice, experienced users often describe the impression more concretely as watermelon or honeydew melon, some with a light gummy-bear sweetness. As with many aroma molecules, individual perception varies noticeably from nose to nose.
Role in the formula
Helional is suited to green-floral and cyclamen compositions, where it contributes a fresh, ozonic note without feeling heavy or sweet. According to manufacturer data, it performs well in fine fragrance with excellent stability. It also performs well in soap with very good stability, while showing a moderate effect in detergents and fabric softeners.
Helional has an asymmetric carbon atom and exists as a mixture of two enantiomers. The technical literature describes that one of the two isomers shows a sweeter, lily-of-the-valley-like aldehyde character, while the other is more ozonic, green and fruity – the commercially available mixture unites both facets.
Historically, Helional is closely associated with Edmond Roudnitska: he used the material at around 5% in Diorella (1972, for Dior) – there together with Hedione (around 10%), which is also available in our range.
Use in perfumery
Helional is suited to green-floral accords, cyclamen reconstructions and fresh, ozonic fragrance directions. According to independent technical sources, the IFRA limit is 2.6% in leave-on products of Category 4 – other application categories have different limits according to the IFRA Standard.
Practical note: dissolving, storing, combining
Dissolving: Soluble in ethanol, practically insoluble in water.
Storing: Store cool, dry and protected from light, keep containers tightly closed, always in original packaging. Keep away from heat, strong acids, alkalis and oxidizing agents. If stored beyond 12 months, quality should be checked before use. The material contains stabilizers (StabiliFF, Tinogard TT) to support color stability – nevertheless the color may deepen over time.
Combining: According to the manufacturer, proven in combination with Ambroxan, amyris wood oil, benzyl benzoate, cassie concrete, sage oil, clove and the damascones. Note from the technical literature: with methyl anthranilate, Helional can form a so-called Schiff base, which may discolor over time.
Safety information
According to the current safety data sheet from IFF (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. (version 14.2, 23 Jan 2026), Helional is classified under CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 as: Skin Sens. 1, H317 (may cause an allergic skin reaction), Repr. 2, H361 (suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child) and Aquatic Chronic 2, H411 (toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects). Signal word: Warning (GHS07, GHS08, GHS09).
According to the manufacturer, persons with known skin sensitization must not use this material. Pregnant women should avoid handling the product; women of childbearing age should be informed of possible hazards. Not a PBT or vPvB substance, not assessed as an endocrine disruptor.
Toxicological data: oral LD50 (rat) 3,362 mg/kg (OECD 401), dermal LD50 (rabbit) >2,000 mg/kg (OECD 402). The flash point is 100 °C. For transport: UN 3082, Class 9, Packing Group III, classified as a marine pollutant. In Germany, water hazard class 2 applies. Protective gloves (EN ISO 374-1), safety goggles (ISO 16321) and adequate ventilation are recommended.
Physico-chemical properties
| Manufacturer | IFF (Hangzhou) Co., Ltd. |
| Product code | H08030 |
| IUPAC name | 3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpropanal |
| Other synonyms | 3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)-2-methylpropanal, Ocean Propanal, Tropional, Floramelon |
| CAS no. | 1205-17-0 |
| EC no. | 214-881-6 |
| REACH registration number | 01-2120740119-58 |
| FEMA no. | 4599 |
| Customs tariff no. | 2932990075 |
| Molecular formula | C₁₁H₁₂O₃ |
| Molecular weight | 192 g/mol |
| Appearance | Low-viscosity liquid |
| Log Pow | 1.368 (physical data) / 2.4 (bioaccumulation, OECD 117) |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water |
| Flash point | 100 °C |
| Biodegradability | No data available – therefore considered not readily biodegradable |
FAQ
What is Helional?
Helional is a green-floral aroma molecule by IFF with cyclamen, ozone and hay facets. It was patented in 1958 by IFF chemists Muus G.J. Beets and Harm van Essen.
In which well-known fragrances was Helional used?
Edmond Roudnitska used it at around 5% in Diorella (1972, Dior), together with Hedione.
What is Helional typically used for?
For green-floral compositions, cyclamen reconstructions and fresh, ozonic fragrance directions.
Is Helional classified as hazardous?
Yes. According to IFF's current safety data sheet (version 14.2, 2026), Helional is classified as skin-sensitizing (H317), suspected reproductive toxicant (H361) and chronically hazardous to water (H411), signal word "Warning." Persons with known skin sensitization should not use the material; pregnant women should avoid handling it.
Why can the color of Helional change?
As with many aldehydes, the color may deepen over time, especially on contact with certain materials such as methyl anthranilate. The product contains stabilizers that slow this process but do not fully prevent it.
Hazard Information (CLP Labelling)
Signal word: Warning
Hazard statements (H):
H317 – May cause an allergic skin reaction.
H361 – Suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child.
H411 – Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Precautionary statements (P):
P201 – Obtain special instructions before use.
P202 – Do not handle until all safety precautions have been read and understood.
P272 – Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
P273 – Avoid release to the environment.
P280 – Wear protective gloves/eye protection.
P302+P352 – IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
P308+P313 – IF exposed or concerned: Get medical advice/attention.
P333+P313 – If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical advice/attention.
P391 – Collect spillage.
P405 – Store locked up.
P501 – Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations.
Substance: Helional® (CAS 1205-17-0). The relevant CLP hazard-labelling elements (pictograms, signal word, H and P statements) pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP), as amended, are reproduced here in full. The legally binding labelling appears on the packaging.
Important note
This product is a perfumery raw material intended exclusively for fragrance development, creative experimentation, education and the study of perfumery materials. It is not a finished cosmetic product. Please use responsibly – in particular, observe the safety information mentioned.
