Lilial


Lilial is a chemical compound commonly used as a perfume in cosmetic preparations and laundry powders, often under the name butylphenyl methylpropional. It is a synthetic aromatic aldehyde.

Synthesis

Lilial is produced at BASF through a double anodic oxidation of 4-tert-butyl toluene on >10,000 ton per year scale.

Properties

Lilial is commonly produced and sold as a racemic mixture; however, testing has indicated that the different enantiomers of the compound do not contribute equally to its odor. The -enantiomer has a strong floral odor, reminiscent of cyclamen or lily of the valley; whereas the -enantiomer possesses no strong odor.
Like most aldehydes, lilial is not long term stable and tends to slowly oxidize on storage.

Safety

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety concluded in May 2019 that the use of lilial in both rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics "cannot be considered as safe".
It can sometimes act as an allergen and may cause contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals.