In short
Aldehyde C-12 MNA, 2-methylundecanal, is a branched aliphatic aldehyde with a fresh, resinous, ambergris-like and incense-like character. It is one of the signature aldehydes of the classic aldehydic floral style.
What Aldehyde C-12 MNA smells like
Aldehyde C-12 MNA (2-methylundecanal) is an aldehydic, fresh and clean material with a dry, ambery and incense-like undertone. Firmenich describes a powerful aldehydic, fresh, clean, ozonic and citrus note with ambery and incense undertones; Givaudan aldehydic, dry, amber and warm. Databases add conifer, moss and a fatty, waxy core, and one supplier calls it greasy and waxy but also citrus. It is one of the defining aldehydes of classic aldehydic perfumery.
- Leading note
- Clean aldehydic
- Clear facets
- Amber
- Supporting facets
- Incense
- Faint facets
- Conifer, waxy
- Character
- Dry, clean, warm, diffusive
What makes Aldehyde C-12 MNA distinctive
Its dryness. Unlike the straight-chain aldehydes, which lean towards citrus peel, rose or soap, MNA carries a dry, ambery, incense-like warmth and a faint conifer note under its clean aldehydic lift.
How Aldehyde C-12 MNA is used
Used for aldehydic radiance and a clean, dry warmth in aldehydic florals, chypres and woody-amber accords, and in fabric and soap fragrance.
Typical role: modifier (used in small amounts to change the character of a blend); lift (adds diffusion and radiance, especially at the top).
How Aldehyde C-12 MNA differs from similar materials
- Aldehyde C-12 Lauric (Dodecanal)
- Both are sold as aldehyde C-12. Lauric aldehyde is waxier and creamier, with citrus peel and violet; MNA is drier, with amber and incense undertones.
Each difference compares the published descriptions of the two materials. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Formulation considerations
Powerful; weigh from a dilution. Store cold to slow oxidation.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Aroma chemical
- Origin
- Synthetic
- Odour family
- Aldehydic / Woody
- Note position
- Top note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Liquid
- Also known as
- 2-Methylundecanal, Methyl nonyl acetaldehyde
- CAS number
- 110-41-8
- Molecular formula
- C12H24O
- Molecular weight
- 184.32 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- 2-methylundecanal
The CAS number, formula and molecular weight are taken from PubChem compound 61031, whose own record lists this CAS number; checked 19 October 2026.
Safety and compliance
Hazard classification of the neat substance, as PubChem summarises it, read 26 October 2026. Companies notifying the ECHA C&L Inventory classify it (1,925 reports): H317 may cause an allergic skin reaction (85.7% of reports); H400 very toxic to aquatic life (84.1% of reports); H410 very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects (80% of reports); H412 harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects (14.3% of reports); H319 causes serious eye irritation (11.2% of reports). A skin sensitiser classification concerns handling the neat material and the dose in a finished product; the IFRA Standards, where they apply, set the limits. Unless it is harmonised, this is the notifiers' own classification, not a binding one.
This page is general information, not a safety assessment or a specification. Confirm identity, composition, IFRA status and allergen content from your supplier's documents for the lot you hold.
Materials it works with
-
Aldehyde C-12 Lauric (Dodecanal)
Aroma chemical · Aldehydic / Floral — aldehydic, waxy, soapy, violet
-
Aldehyde C-11 Undecylenic (10-Undecenal)
Aroma chemical · Aldehydic / Floral — aldehydic, waxy, clean, ozonic
-
Frankincense Oil (Olibanum)
Essential oil · Resinous / Citrus — incense, resinous, lemony, smoky
-
Iso E Super
Aroma chemical · Woody / Amber — woody, velvety, amber, cedar
-
Adoxal
Aroma chemical · Aldehydic / Aquatic — aldehydic, marine, waxy, floral
Aldehyde C-12 MNA is also suggested as a partner on the pages for Aldehyde C-11 Undecylic (Undecanal), Myrac Aldehyde and Tridecene-2-nitrile.
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 17 published formulas
Aldehyde C-12 MNA is an ingredient in 9 perfume formulas, 7 accords and 1 base in the Formula & Accord Library.
Community formulas
RUŌOD House Originals
Original compositions by RUŌOD House.
Further reading
Questions about Aldehyde C-12 MNA
Is Aldehyde C-12 MNA natural or synthetic?
Aldehyde C-12 MNA is synthetic — it is made by chemical synthesis.
What is the CAS number of Aldehyde C-12 MNA?
110-41-8. It was checked against PubChem on 19 October 2026.
Which published formulas use Aldehyde C-12 MNA?
Aldehyde C-12 MNA is used in 17 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library, including Blue Accord, Bright Resin Accord and Champagne Static. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Sources
- PubChem — compound 61031, checked 19 October 2026.
- PubChem — GHS classification (the ECHA C&L Inventory notifications and any harmonised EU entry), read 26 October 2026.
- Perflavory (The Good Scents Company) — 2-methylundecanal (with Firmenich and Givaudan descriptions) — odour database.
- De Hekserij — Aldehyde C12 MNA — distributor's description.
- ChemicalBook — 2-methylundecanal (CAS 110-41-8) — odour database.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 20 October 2026. Evidence: several independent published descriptions, which agree. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.