Alkanes, C13-16-iso- (CAS 68551-20-2) — Citrus Carrier Note Fragrance Ingredient

Citrus · Floral

Alkanes, C13-16-iso-

CAS 68551-20-2

Origin
synthetic
Note
Carrier
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Alkanes, C13-16-iso-?

Alkanes C13-16-iso- are synthetic hydrocarbon mixtures used as solvents and carriers in industrial applications. They’re found in some cleaning products and coatings. These odorless hydrocarbons serve as invisible workhorses, helping other fragrance ingredients spread evenly without contributing their own scent.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Low acute toxicity
Potential skin irritant with prolonged exposure
CAS
68551-20-2
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Alkanes, C13-16-iso- Smell Like?

Alkanes C13-16-iso- are essentially odorless hydrocarbon mixtures. They serve as neutral carriers in fragrance formulations, providing no discernible top, heart, or base notes. Their complete lack of olfactory character makes them ideal for diluting or carrying other aromatic compounds without altering the intended scent profile.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Alkanes C13-16-iso- are branched-chain hydrocarbon mixtures synthesized through oligomerization processes. These synthetic alkanes consist of C13 to C16 carbon chains with random branching patterns. They’re produced via catalytic processes from petroleum feedstocks, with the branching improving solubility and lowering viscosity compared to straight-chain alkanes. The mixture lacks functional groups, making it chemically inert.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless liquid
Boiling Range230-300 °C

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Carrier
Volatility
Medium
Blending
Neutral
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Industrial Fragrance10-30%Up to 50%Solvent/carrier base
Cleaning Products5-15%Up to 25%Odorless carrier

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a neutral base for dissolving difficult materials when alcohol isn’t suitable.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Dodecane CAS 112-40-3

Similar hydrocarbon solvent with slightly lower boiling point, useful when faster evaporation is desired.

2
Isoparaffins C11-C13 CAS 64742-48-9

Alternative hydrocarbon mixture with narrower carbon range for more consistent evaporation profile.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions apply to this material.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H336 Drowsiness or dizziness

RIFM Assessment

Not specifically assessed by RIFM as it’s not a direct fragrance ingredient.

Sustainability

As petroleum-derived materials, these alkanes raise sustainability concerns. Synthetic production allows for consistent quality but depends on fossil fuel feedstocks. Some manufacturers are exploring bio-based hydrocarbon alternatives, though these currently represent a small fraction of the market.

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References

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

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