Docosane (CAS 629-97-0) — Citrus Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Citrus · Floral

Docosane

CAS 629-97-0

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Docosane?

Docosane is a synthetic hydrocarbon wax used in perfumery as a fixative and texture modifier. It’s found in some solid perfumes and candle formulations. While odorless itself, it helps slow fragrance evaporation and adds body to compositions.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Non-toxic and inert
No known allergen concerns
CAS
629-97-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Docosane Smell Like?

Docosane is odorless in pure form but serves as an important structural component in fragrance formulations. As a high molecular weight alkane, it provides a waxy, neutral base that extends the longevity of other fragrance materials without contributing its own scent profile. Its primary function is to modify texture and slow evaporation rates.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

Docosane

SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Docosane is a straight-chain hydrocarbon with 22 carbon atoms (C22H46), classified as an alkane. It’s typically produced through petroleum refining processes or Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. As a saturated hydrocarbon, it’s chemically inert and stable, making it useful as a carrier material in various applications including perfumery.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Melting Point44-46 °C
Boiling Point369 °C

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Non-volatile
Blending
Texture modifier
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Solid Perfumes10-30%Up to 50%Provides structure and slows evaporation
Candles5-15%Up to 20%Modifies wax properties

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to increase viscosity and extend longevity in solid fragrance applications.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Hexadecane CAS 544-76-3

Shorter chain alkane with similar properties but lower melting point.

2
Octacosane CAS 630-02-4

Longer chain alkane providing higher melting point and greater structural integrity.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions apply to docosane.

RIFM Assessment

Considered safe for use in fragrances by RIFM standards.

Sustainability

Docosane is typically derived from petroleum sources, though bio-based alternatives may be available through synthetic biology routes. As a hydrocarbon, it’s not biodegradable but poses minimal environmental risk due to its inert nature.

Explore Docosane

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References

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

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    Physicochemical Properties

    DTXSID: DTXSID7047063

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 310.61 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.796 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX
    Boiling Point 368.169 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Melting Point 43.976 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Flash Point 149.025 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Refractive Index 1.444 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 391.684 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 10.558 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 10.558 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 10.558 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 9.94 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🔬 EPA CTX
    Viscosity 5.588 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 27.996 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 146.581 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 0 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 0 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 0 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 19 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 103.972 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 41.218 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.

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