Alcohols, C11-15-secondary, ethoxylated (CAS 68131-40-8) — Green N/A Note Fragrance Ingredient

Green · Woody

Alcohols, C11-15-secondary, ethoxylated

CAS 68131-40-8

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

What Is Alcohols, C11-15-secondary, ethoxylated?

Alcohols, C11-15-secondary, ethoxylated is a synthetic surfactant commonly found in industrial cleaners, detergents, and some personal care products. It helps dissolve oils and improve product spreadability. While not a traditional fragrance ingredient, it may contribute subtle background notes in functional formulations where scent is secondary to performance.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Approved for industrial applications
Potential skin irritant in high concentrations
CAS
68131-40-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Woody
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Alcohols, C11-15-secondary, ethoxylated Smell Like?

This ethoxylated alcohol blend has a faint, clean odor reminiscent of diluted soap or laundry detergent. The scent profile is neutral with subtle waxy undertones, lacking distinct top/middle/base evolution. In formulations, it primarily functions as a surfactant rather than a fragrance ingredient, contributing minimal olfactory impact beyond a generic ‘clean’ background note.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Alcohols, C11-15-secondary, ethoxylated is a synthetic surfactant produced by ethoxylation of secondary alcohols with ethylene oxide. The C11-15 carbon chain length provides balanced hydrophobicity while the ethoxylation introduces hydrophilic character. This amphiphilic structure enables effective surface tension reduction. The product is typically a mixture of molecules with varying degrees of ethoxylation.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
N/A
Volatility
N/A
Blending
N/A
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Industrial Cleaners5-15%1-30%Primary surfactant
Personal Care0.5-3%Up to 5%Secondary emulsifier

Classic Accords

Tip: Use primarily for surfactant properties rather than olfactory contribution.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Alcohol ethoxylates (C12-14) CAS 68439-50-9

Similar surfactant properties with slightly different carbon chain length for adjusted solubility profile.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not restricted by IFRA as it is not classified as a fragrance material.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

RIFM Assessment

Not evaluated by RIFM as it is not a fragrance material.

Sustainability

Synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks. Ethoxylation process requires careful control of reaction conditions. Biodegradability varies with degree of ethoxylation. Some manufacturers offer bio-based alcohol alternatives to improve sustainability profile.

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References

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

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