Helional (from heliotropin, from which is it commonly derived) is a chemical compound used as a perfume in soap and laundry detergent. Its aroma is described as "watery, fresh, green, ozone, cyclamen, hay". 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.

Synthesis

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.

See also