Dodecane (CAS 112-40-3) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Dodecane
CAS 112-40-3
What Is Dodecane?
Dodecane is a synthetic hydrocarbon used as a solvent and fixative in perfumery. It’s found in some industrial fragrances and cleaning products. While not a primary scent, it helps extend the life of other fragrance notes. This ingredient matters because it provides a neutral base that doesn’t interfere with delicate top notes, allowing perfumers to create longer-lasting scents without adding unwanted aromas.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Dodecane Smell Like?
Dodecane is nearly odorless to most noses, presenting as a faint, clean waxiness reminiscent of unscented candle wax or a new plastic container. Its primary function isn’t aromatic but structural – it acts as an invisible scaffold that subtly extends the lifespan of more volatile fragrance components without contributing its own scent profile. In high concentrations, it may impart a barely perceptible mineral oil-like character.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCC
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Dodecane is a straight-chain alkane with twelve carbon atoms (C12H26), belonging to the paraffin family. It’s produced through petroleum refining or Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. As a saturated hydrocarbon, it’s chemically inert and non-reactive with most fragrance ingredients. Its lack of functional groups makes it resistant to oxidation and ideal for stabilizing volatile compounds.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 216-218 °C |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | 74 °C |
| Density | 0.749 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional Fragrances | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Solvent and carrier |
| Cleaning Products | 2-8% | Up to 15% | Fragrance stabilizer |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a neutral diluent for potent materials that require extended dry-down phases.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Longer hydrocarbon chain provides even lower volatility for ultra-long-lasting base applications.
Branched isomer offers similar properties with slightly better solubility in polar systems.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions – classified as non-sensitizing and non-toxic.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM considers dodecane safe for current fragrance use levels based on extensive hydrocarbon data.
Sustainability
As a petroleum-derived ingredient, dodecane’s sustainability depends on refinery practices. Some manufacturers offer bio-based alternatives synthesized from renewable resources. Its persistence in the environment is moderate, breaking down slower than shorter-chain hydrocarbons but faster than heavy waxes.
Explore Dodecane
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary for Dodecane CID 8182
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 112-40-3Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 170.33 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 6.1🔬 PubChem |
| Boiling Point | 216.3 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Vapor Pressure | 1 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA |
| Flash Point | 73.9 °C🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Involatility Index | 0.0826💻 Calculated |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | 0.592💻 Calculated |
Volatility & Performance
| Fragrance Note | Top💻 Calculated |
| Volatility Class | Slow💻 Calculated |
| Persistence Score | 0.5 / 5💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | sweet• leffingwell |
Sensory Thresholds
| Odor Detection Threshold | 11.3915 ppm (n=6)📖 van Gemert |
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.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID0026913
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 170.34 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.748 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 215.768 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Melting Point | -10.016 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Flash Point | 73.849 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
| Refractive Index | 1.422 Dimensionless📊 OPERA |
| Molar Volume | 226.617 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 6.224 Log10 unitless🔬 EPA CTX |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 6.428 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 6.428 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 5.86 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 8.044 atm-m3/mole🔬 EPA CTX |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0.158 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
| Viscosity | 1.309 cP📊 OPERA |
| Surface Tension | 24.932 dyn/cm📊 OPERA |
| Thermal Conductivity | 134.542 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 | 9 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
| Molar Refractivity | 57.643 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA |
| Polarizability | 22.852 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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