Alcohols, C8-10-iso-, C9-rich (CAS 68526-84-1) — Woody Carrier Note Fragrance Ingredient
Alcohols, C8-10-iso-, C9-rich
CAS 68526-84-1
What Is Alcohols, C8-10-iso-, C9-rich?
This synthetic alcohol blend is primarily used as a solvent and carrier in perfumery and cosmetic formulations. Consumers encounter it indirectly as part of fragrance bases where it helps dissolve and stabilize other ingredients. While not a standalone scent, its technical properties make modern fragrance formulations possible by allowing precise control over evaporation rates and ingredient compatibility.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Alcohols, C8-10-iso-, C9-rich Smell Like?
This alcohol blend has a faint, clean odor characteristic of higher alcohols – mildly waxy with subtle citrus-woody undertones. Its odor profile is intentionally neutral to serve as a versatile carrier, though traces of C9-rich components may impart a very light petroleum-like nuance. Evaporates cleanly without residue, making it ideal for building fragrance structures where the focus remains on the active scent ingredients rather than the carrier system.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
A synthetic mixture of branched C8-C10 alcohols with enrichment in C9 isomers, produced via hydroformylation of olefin fractions followed by hydrogenation. The branching pattern (iso-alcohol structure) improves solubility in both polar and non-polar systems compared to linear alcohols. While not a single molecule, the controlled composition ensures consistent physical properties batch-to-batch. The C9-rich formulation offers optimal balance between volatility and solvency power for fragrance applications.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Miscible with most organic solvents |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fragrance Bases | 30-70% | Up to 90% | Primary solvent |
| Functional Perfumery | 10-40% | 5-60% | Carrier for functional scents |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a replacement for ethanol in systems requiring slower evaporation rates.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Alternative carrier with higher boiling point and lower odor profile for heat-stable formulations.
Estery alternative offering different solubility characteristics and skin feel benefits.
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 current use levels based on alcohol class toxicity data.
Sustainability
Synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks but with high atom economy in production. The branched structure requires less energy to manufacture than equivalent linear alcohols. Being a synthetic material, it avoids agricultural supply chain issues but carries typical petrochemical environmental considerations regarding non-renewable sourcing.
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References
- International Journal of Cosmetic Science (2015). Alcohol solvents in fragrance systems.
- CTFA Ingredient Review (2012). Branched alcohol safety assessment.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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