2-Octyldodecan-1-ol (CAS 5333-42-6) — Woody None Note Fragrance Ingredient
2-Octyldodecan-1-ol
CAS 5333-42-6
What Is 2-Octyldodecan-1-ol?
2-Octyldodecan-1-ol is a synthetic ingredient used in cosmetics and personal care products as an emollient and texture enhancer. You’ll find it in lotions, creams, and makeup formulations where it helps create smooth, luxurious textures. This ingredient matters because it improves product spreadability without leaving a greasy residue, making skincare feel more pleasant to use while delivering active ingredients effectively.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does 2-Octyldodecan-1-ol Smell Like?
2-Octyldodecan-1-ol is nearly odorless, presenting only a faint, clean waxy character reminiscent of freshly unwrapped paraffin candles. Its olfactory neutrality makes it an ideal carrier for fragrances, neither contributing nor interfering with scent profiles. The molecule lacks top/middle/base evolution, maintaining consistent sensory blankness throughout application and dry-down periods.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCC(CO)CCCCCCCC
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
2-Octyldodecan-1-ol is a branched-chain fatty alcohol synthesized through hydroformylation of olefins followed by hydrogenation. The molecule features a central carbon chain with two alkyl branches (octyl and dodecyl) terminating in a hydroxyl group. This structure grants excellent spreading properties while maintaining low volatility. Industrial production typically involves catalytic processes using rhodium or cobalt catalysts under high pressure.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
|---|---|
| Molecular Weight | 298.5 g/mol |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skin Care | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Texture modifier |
| Makeup | 0.5-3% | Up to 8% | Spread enhancer |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a neutral base to improve fragrance dispersion in anhydrous systems.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar emollient properties with slightly lighter texture, preferred for facial formulations requiring faster absorption.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA – no known fragrance applications
RIFM Assessment
Not evaluated by RIFM as it’s not used as a fragrance material.
Sustainability
As a petrochemical-derived material, 2-octyldodecan-1-ol has moderate environmental impact from production. Manufacturers are developing bio-based alternatives using fermentation-derived fatty alcohols, though these currently lack equivalent performance at scale. The ingredient is not biodegradable but presents low ecotoxicity due to minimal water solubility.
Explore 2-Octyldodecan-1-ol
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References
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (2012). Safety Assessment of Alkyl Branched Chain Alcohols. CIR Report
- Personal Care Products Council. International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients. INCI Database
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID3036288
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 298.555 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.84 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 359.845 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | -21 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 188 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.452 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 356.553 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 8.906 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 8.906 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 8.906 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 11.06 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📊 OPERA |
| Viscosity | 37.271 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 30.666 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 154.977 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 | 17 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 96.2 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 38.137 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.
