2-Methyloctanal

Description2-Methyloctanal has a delicate, floral odor (rose- or lily-like). Prepared by heating methoxymethyl hexyl carbinol with oxalic acid or with anhydrous formic acid; also from hexanal and propionic aldehyde, Darzen’s synthesis of reacting methyl hexyl ketone and ethyl chloroacetate with sodium ethylate; the resulting ester is then hydrolyzed to the acid and this heated under vacuum.

UsesIn effect more versatile than Methyl nonyl acetaldehyde, 2-methyloctanal creates floral-diffusive topnotes in a Lily or Muguet, freshness in Mimosa or Rose, gives clean and airy topnotes to Citrus fragrances, etc. It finds some use in flavor compositions, mainly in Citrus types where it may partly or wholly substitute the conventional Nonanal. Concentration used is about 1 to 2 ppm in the finished product.