The vanilla character is immediate and very clean, with a linalool-derived floral softness that lifts it away from a flat, one-dimensional sweetness. In extreme dilution it is closer to a sweet, creamy, slightly floral note than a recognisable vanilla; at higher concentrations the full, rich vanilla presence develops. There is no complexity of the kind found in natural vanilla; this is vanilla as an abstract aromatic idea, which makes it extremely useful as a modifier and sweetener without imposing the full character of the natural. The 270-hour life makes it an excellent fixative, and its solubility in alcohol makes it easy to work with once dissolved.

Ethyl Vanillin works as a vanilla character modifier, intense sweetener, fixative, and base note anchor across fine fragrance, personal care, fabric care, and incense.

Recommended concentration: 0.02% minimum, 0.2% average, up to 4.3% maximum in a finished compound. The ROI of 600 makes this a micro-dosing material; weigh carefully and evaluate at significant dilution. Dissolve in a small amount of warm alcohol before incorporating into a formula.

Particularly effective in:

Oriental and gourmand fine fragrance as a vanilla character note
Fougere and chypre structures as a base sweetener
Caramel, toffee, cream, and confectionery-type accords
Floral compositions needing a warm, sweet base anchor
Fabric care: rated excellent for fabric softener and detergent
Pot pourri and incense (rated excellent for both)
Hair care and body wash (rated excellent)

Blends well with:

Coumarin for a classic tonka-vanilla warmth pairing
Clove bud for a warm, spiced vanilla character
Heliotropin (piperonal) for a powdery, sweet-almond facet
Musks and ambers as a base extension
Vanillin at lower levels for a more rounded, complex vanilla
Sandalwood and woods for a warm, creamy base

Material Type: Aroma chemical (synthetic)
Chemical Name: 3-Ethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde
Synonyms: Bourbonal; Ethyl Protal; Rhodiarome
CAS Number: 121-32-4
FEMA: 2464
Molecular Formula: C₉H₁₀O₃
Melting Point: 76°C (solid at room temperature)
Boiling Point: 285°C
Flash Point: 145°C
Odour Profile: Intensely sweet vanilla; clean and abstract; slightly floral and creamy; very long-lasting
Appearance: Fine white crystalline powder
Solubility: Soluble in alcohol; dissolve with gentle warming before use
Not found in nature
Regulatory Status: SDS documentation can be supplied upon request where available.

For external use only. Do not ingest
Exceptionally potent material (ROI 600); weigh with precision and evaluate at significant dilution before building into a formula
Solid at room temperature; dissolve in a small amount of warm alcohol before use
Flash point 145°C; keep away from heat sources and open flames
Avoid contact with eyes and skin in undiluted form
Not recommended for soap, talcum, or cold wave applications where discoloration or stability problems are noted
Store tightly sealed in a cool, dark, dry place; protect from moisture
Shelf life: 5+ years when stored correctly in sealed packaging