1-Docosanol (CAS 661-19-8) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
1-_Docosanol
CAS 661-19-8
What Is 1-_Docosanol?
1-Docosanol is a synthetic fatty alcohol primarily used as an emollient in cosmetics and skincare products. It helps create smooth textures in creams and lotions. While not a major fragrance ingredient, it occasionally appears as a subtle modifier in perfumery for its mild waxy character.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 1-_Docosanol Smell Like?
1-Docosanol has a faint, waxy odor reminiscent of candle wax or cosmetic bases. Its scent profile is neutral with minimal olfactory impact, functioning more as a textural enhancer than a true fragrance material. In blends, it adds subtle body without interfering with top notes.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCO
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
1-Docosanol is a straight-chain 22-carbon fatty alcohol (CH3(CH2)21OH) belonging to the aliphatic alcohol class. Synthesized through hydrogenation of erucic acid or via Ziegler alcohol processes, it’s part of the C20-C24 fatty alcohol series. Its long hydrocarbon chain gives it low volatility and high melting point typical of heavy alcohols.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Melting Point | 71-73 °C |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White waxy solid |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cosmetics | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Texture modifier |
| Perfumery | 0.1-1% | Up to 3% | Fixative support |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to add body to floral bases without altering scent profile.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Shorter chain (C16) alcohol with similar emollient properties but slightly higher volatility.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions apply.
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for use in current applications by RIFM.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, 1-docosanol production is petroleum-derived but requires minimal processing. Its long-lasting properties can reduce reapplication frequency in products. Biodegradability is moderate due to the long carbon chain.
Explore 1-_Docosanol
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References
- Fiume, M.M. (2001). Final report on the safety assessment of cetyl, stearyl, and behenyl alcohols. Journal of the American College of Toxicology. PMID 11766149
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID4027286
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 326.609 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.854 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 371.831 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 72.321 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 202.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.455 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 389.19 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 8.3 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 9.54 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 9.54 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 10.69 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 40.323 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 31.606 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 160.265 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 20.23 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 20 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 105.507 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 41.826 Å^3📊 OPERA |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
