Helional (from heliotropin, from which is it commonly derived) is a chemical compound used as a perfume in soap and laundry detergent. Chemically it is an aldehyde with a hydrocinnamaldehyde motif; a structural element which is present in a number of other important commercial fragrances and odorants.^[3]

Quick Facts Names, Identifiers ...

Helional

Names
IUPAC name 3-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-methylpropanal
Other names 2-Methyl-3-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)propanal; 2-piperonylpropanal Helional Ocean propanal
Identifiers
CAS Number	1205-17-0 Y
3D model (JSmol)	Interactive image
ChemSpider	58337
ECHA InfoCard	100.013.528
PubChem CID	64805
UNII	L65EG8H6PA Y
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)	DTXSID7043908
InChI InChI=1S/C11H12O3/c1-8(6-12)4-9-2-3-10-11(5-9)14-7-13-10/h2-3,5-6,8H,4,7H2,1H3 Key: BOPPSUHPZARXTH-UHFFFAOYSA-N InChI=1/C11H12O3/c1-8(6-12)4-9-2-3-10-11(5-9)14-7-13-10/h2-3,5-6,8H,4,7H2,1H3 Key: BOPPSUHPZARXTH-UHFFFAOYAR
SMILES CC(CC1=CC2=C(C=C1)OCO2)C=O
Properties
Chemical formula	C11H12O3
Molar mass	192.214 g·mol−1
Appearance	Colorless liquid
Odor	floral, herbaceous
Density	1.162 g/cm3
Boiling point	282 °C (540 °F; 555 K)
Hazards
GHS labelling:
Pictograms
Signal word	Warning
Hazard statements	H315, H319, H335
Precautionary statements	P261, P305+P351+P338
Safety data sheet (SDS)	[1]
Legal status	BR: Class D1 (Drug precursors)[2]
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa). Infobox references

Close

Several synthetic routes exist but the most common is a crossed-aldol condensation between piperonal (heliotropin) and propanal followed by selective hydrogenation of the intermediate alkene. This produces a racemic product.

• Cyclamen aldehyde
• Lilial
• Hexyl cinnamaldehyde