Aquatic

Helional

Note Profile

Natural

About

Helional is a synthetic aldehyde aroma chemical renowned for its watery-fresh, ozonic profile with green-floral cyclamen and subtle hay nuances. Introduced in the late 1960s, it revolutionized aquatic perfumery by providing a modern marine freshness. It functions as a diffusive top-to-heart note with mild fixative properties.

Scent Profile

Helional opens with a brisk ozonic burst evoking sea breeze and coastal air, quickly revealing green cyclamen floral tones and a crisp melon facet. It evolves into a softer watery freshness underpinned by new-mown hay and faint leafy warmth. The overall character is clean, airy, and invigorating without heaviness.

Citrus 5%

Floral 35%

Fruity 15%

Green 45%

Sweet 0%

Warm 10%

Woody 5%

Earthy 10%

Animalic 0%

Fresh 75%

Origin

Helional is a fully synthetic compound (CAS 1205-17-0) produced via multi-step processes from petrochemical feedstocks, resulting in the aldehyde 3-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpropanal. Developed in the late 1960s, originally derived from heliotropin structures, it is manufactured by major firms like IFF. No natural sources exist, making it vegan and consistent in quality.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers employ Helional in top-to-heart positions at 0.5-2% for aquatic, ozonic, and marine accords, enhancing diffusion and extending top notes. It blends seamlessly with cyclamen aldehydes, hedione, green ionones, musks, and light woods in fine fragrances. Higher levels emphasize hay-metallic edges, while trace amounts add subtle airy lift to florals.