Alcohols, C11-14-isoalcohols, C13-rich, ethoxylated (CAS 78330-21-9) — Citrus N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Citrus · Floral

Alcohols, C11-_14-_isoalcohols, C13-_rich, ethoxylated

CAS 78330-21-9

Origin
synthetic
Note
N/A
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Alcohols, C11-_14-_isoalcohols, C13-_rich, ethoxylated?

This synthetic ingredient is a group of ethoxylated isoalcohols primarily used in industrial and household cleaning products. Consumers encounter it in detergents and surface cleaners where it acts as a surfactant. While not commonly used in fragrances, its properties make it valuable for functional formulations where stability and performance are prioritized over scent.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
⚠ Potential skin irritant – use protective equipment
⚠ Not recommended for direct skin contact
CAS
78330-21-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Alcohols, C11-_14-_isoalcohols, C13-_rich, ethoxylated Smell Like?

This ingredient is typically odorless or has a very faint, clean alcohol-like scent. It is not used for its aromatic properties but rather for its functional characteristics in formulations. In rare cases where it might contribute to a fragrance, it would be as a neutral carrier or modifier rather than a primary scent component.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This is a mixture of ethoxylated isoalcohols with carbon chain lengths predominantly in the C13 range. The ethoxylation process introduces ethylene oxide units to the alcohol backbone, creating nonionic surfactants. These compounds are synthesized through the reaction of isoalcohols with ethylene oxide under controlled conditions, resulting in a distribution of ethoxylate chain lengths.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
SolubilitySoluble in water and most organic solvents

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
N/A
Volatility
N/A
Blending
N/A
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Industrial Cleaners5-15%Up to 30%Primary surfactant
Household Detergents2-8%Up to 15%Co-surfactant

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a surfactant base rather than for olfactory properties.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Alcohol ethoxylates CAS 68439-50-9

Similar surfactant properties with potentially different performance characteristics.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not specifically restricted by IFRA.

GHS Classification

H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

No specific RIFM assessment found for this mixture.

Sustainability

As a synthetic surfactant, its environmental impact depends on biodegradability which varies with ethoxylation degree. Modern formulations aim for improved biodegradation profiles. Production involves petrochemical feedstocks with associated carbon footprint considerations.

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References

  1. PubChem Compound Summary for Ethoxylated alcohols PubChem

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 78330-21-9
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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