Aldehydes

An aldehyde is a chemical compound. It belongs to the family of carbonyl compounds. When a hydrogen atom is bonded to an atom of the carbonyl group, the molecule becomes an aldehyde. An aldehyde is obtained by oxidation of primary alcohols. Aldehydes are certainly synthetic molecules, but some exist naturally in citrus zest. Aldehydes are recognizable by their metallic, fatty and warm odors. They also have a soapy side, more or less orange-tinged. Aldehydes are said to smell like candle wax or a hot iron.

Aldehydes, the revolution of synthesis

Without aldehydes, the perfume Chanel N°5 would not exist… Indeed, the first use of aldehydes in luxury perfumery took place in 1921, giving rise to one of the most beautiful perfume creations, Chanel N°5… Aldehydes do not have a poetic name, but they brim with distinctive and varied olfactory notes. Aldehydes are classified by number of carbon atoms, ranging from C6 to C12. Thus, it is noted that aldehyde C10 smells of orange, C11 smells of candle wax, and C12 smells of a hot iron… Aldehydes give lift and power to a composition… They are undeniably characterful. Many creators subsequently followed Chanel N°5 by incorporating aldehydes, as in L’Aimant by Coty, Liu by Guerlain, or Calèche by Hermès.

Aldehyde accords

Owing to the many facets they offer, aldehydes can be paired with every olfactory family. Aldehydes very often accompany flowers, to which they lend a magical effect and exceptional radiance. Floral-aldehydic perfumes are today very numerous and much appreciated by women, as these are essentially feminine perfumes. As with Arpège by Lanvin, created in 1927 and yet still so modern. Arpège immediately delivers freshness with bergamot, neroli and honeysuckle. In the heart notes, Bulgarian roses paired with jasmine and ylang-ylang offer a sumptuous, irresistibly floral facet. It should be noted that this perfume was created by Jeanne Lanvin for her daughter Marie-Blanche’s 30th birthday, to whom she wished to offer the most beautiful perfume in the world. Aldehydes also appear in chypre-floral-aldehydic compositions, which offer perfumes for elegant, self-assured women, such as Mitsouko by Guerlain, or Eau du Soir by Sisley.

Aldehydes are chemical molecules used in fine perfumery since 1921, with the creation of the legendary Chanel N°5. Classified by number of atoms, aldehydes offer a great many olfactory notes. A source of inspiration for perfume creators, aldehydes have considerably broadened their palette of scents. Aldehyde molecules combine remarkably well with the other olfactory families, especially the floral family, which today counts some of the greatest feminine perfumes among its number.