Dodecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester (CAS 142-18-7) — Citrus Non-odorous Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Citrus · Floral

Dodecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester

CAS 142-18-7

Origin
synthetic
Note
Non-odorous
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Dodecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester?

Dodecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester is a synthetic ingredient primarily used in cosmetic formulations. It functions as an emollient and texture enhancer in products like lotions and creams. While odorless itself, it helps stabilize fragrance compositions by modifying viscosity and improving skin feel.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Approved for cosmetic use
✓ Non-irritating at recommended levels
CAS
142-18-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Dodecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester Smell Like?

This ester is odorless in pure form, serving primarily as a functional carrier in fragrance systems. Its molecular structure allows it to subtly modify the diffusion of aromatic compounds without contributing its own scent profile. When blended, it can slightly round out sharp top notes and extend the longevity of heart notes through viscosity effects.

Layer 2

2D Molecular Structure

1-Monolaurin

SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCC(O)CO

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Dodecanoic acid, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester is a diester formed from lauric acid and glycerol. The molecule features a twelve-carbon fatty acid chain esterified to a glycerin backbone. Industrial synthesis typically involves direct esterification of lauric acid with glycerol under acidic conditions. The compound’s amphiphilic nature gives it both oil-soluble and water-dispersible properties.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
FunctionEmollient, viscosity modifier

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Non-odorous
Volatility
Low
Blending
Functional carrier
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Skin Care1-5%Up to 10%Texture enhancer
Hair Care0.5-3%Up to 5%Conditioning agent

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a neutral base to modify fragrance release rates without altering scent profile.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Isopropyl myristate CAS 110-27-0

Similar emollient properties with slightly lighter texture. Preferred when faster absorption is desired.

2
Glyceryl stearate CAS 31566-31-1

Offers comparable viscosity modification with additional emulsifying capabilities for cream formulations.

Layer 3

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 topical use at current industry concentrations.

Sustainability

As a synthetic ester, this compound is produced through controlled chemical processes with minimal environmental impact. The lauric acid feedstock can be derived from renewable plant sources. Manufacturing typically follows green chemistry principles with high atom economy.

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References

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

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 142-18-7

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight274.4 g/mol🔬 PubChem
    LogP (Octanol-Water)4.2🔬 PubChem
    Boiling Point186 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    Vapor Pressure0 mmHg @ 25°C📊 OPERA
    Flash Point208 °C🔬 EPA CompTox
    log Kp (skin permeability)-1.392💻 Calculated
    SMILESCCCCCCCCCCCC(=O)OCC(CO)O🔬 PubChem

    Volatility & Performance

    Fragrance NoteHeart💻 Calculated

    Odor & Flavor

    Functional Groupsesteralcoholether💻 RDKit
    Data Sources & Attribution
    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: DTXSID5041275

    Physical Properties

    Molecular Weight 274.401 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox
    Density 0.998 g/cm^3📊 OPERA
    Boiling Point 186 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Melting Point 60.5 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Flash Point 159.8 °C🔬 EPA CTX
    Refractive Index 1.467 Dimensionless📊 OPERA
    Molar Volume 275.007 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA

    Partition & Solubility

    LogP (Octanol-Water) 4.161 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 5.5) 4.036 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogD (pH 7.4) 4.161 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA
    LogKoa (Octanol-Air) 8.99 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📊 OPERA
    Viscosity 36.73 cP📊 OPERA
    Surface Tension 35.654 dyn/cm📊 OPERA
    Thermal Conductivity 170.071 mW/(m*K)📊 OPERA

    Molecular Descriptors

    Topological Polar Surface Area 66.76 Ų💻 Computed
    H-Bond Donors 2 count💻 Computed
    H-Bond Acceptors 4 count💻 Computed
    Rotatable Bonds 13 count💻 Computed
    Aromatic Rings 0 count💻 Computed
    Molar Refractivity 76.345 cm^3/mol📊 OPERA
    Polarizability 30.266 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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