Heliotropin, also known as Piperonal, is an aroma chemical widely used in perfumery. It has a distinctive sweet, powdery, floral, vanilla-like and almond/cherry-like aroma. Its soft, creamy character is especially useful for creating powdery, floral, gourmand and oriental/amber-style fragrances. The name Heliotropin comes from its association with the characteristic sweet, powdery fragrance of heliotrope-style floral accords.
Common Name: Heliotropin / Piperonal
Chemical Name: 1,3-Benzodioxole-5-carbaldehyde
CAS No.: 120-57-0
Molecular Formula: C₈H₆O₃
Molecular Weight: 150.13 g/mol
Appearance: Typically white to pale-yellow crystalline material
Function: Aroma chemical / fragrance ingredient
Odour Profile: Powdery • Sweet • Floral • Vanilla-like • Almond-like • Cherry-like • Creamy
Uses in Perfumery
Application Purpose
Heliotrope Accords: Creates the classic sweet, powdery floral character
Vanilla Fragrances: Adds creamy, powdery sweetness
Almond Accords: Provides sweet almond-like nuances
Cherry Accords: Supports sweet cherry and marzipan effects
Floral Fragrances: Softens and sweetens floral compositions
Powdery Perfumes: Creates cosmetic/powder-like character
Gourmand Fragrances: Adds vanilla, almond and confectionery effects
Amber/Oriental Fragrances: Adds warmth, sweetness and depth
Fine Fragrance: Used in perfumes, colognes and body fragrances
Soaps & Cosmetics: Adds soft, sweet fragrance to soaps, lotions and creams
Blends Well With
Heliotropin works particularly well with vanillin, ethyl vanillin, coumarin, benzaldehyde/almond notes, rose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, violet-type notes, musk, sandalwood and amber accords.
Heliotropin