Dodecyldimethylamine oxide (CAS 1643-20-5) — Musky Background Note Fragrance Ingredient
Dodecyldimethylamine oxide
CAS 1643-20-5
What Is Dodecyldimethylamine oxide?
Dodecyldimethylamine oxide is a synthetic surfactant commonly found in cleaning products like shampoos and detergents. It helps create rich lather and stabilize formulations. While not primarily used for fragrance, it can influence product scent profiles due to its mild amine-like odor. This ingredient matters because it enhances product performance while being compatible with skin at typical use levels.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Dodecyldimethylamine oxide Smell Like?
Dodecyldimethylamine oxide has a faint, somewhat fishy amine character with waxy undertones. The odor profile is subtle but persistent, presenting as slightly animalic with a clean, soapy background. In formulations, it can contribute a barely perceptible sharpness that blends into the overall scent composition rather than standing out as a distinct note.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
2D Molecular Structure
SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCC[N+](C)(C)[O-]
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Dodecyldimethylamine oxide belongs to the amine oxide class of surfactants, synthesized through oxidation of tertiary amines. The molecule features a long hydrophobic dodecyl chain attached to a polar dimethylamine oxide head group. This amphiphilic structure gives it excellent surface-active properties. Industrial production typically involves hydrogen peroxide oxidation of dodecyldimethylamine under controlled conditions.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in water and polar organic solvents |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleaning Products | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Primary surfactant function |
| Personal Care | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Foam booster and stabilizer |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a secondary surfactant to enhance foam quality without significantly impacting fragrance profiles.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Gentler amphoteric surfactant alternative with better skin compatibility for sensitive formulations.
More cost-effective anionic surfactant when high foam volume is prioritized over mildness.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted by IFRA – primarily used for functional rather than fragrance purposes.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
Not currently assessed by RIFM as it is not a fragrance material.
Sustainability
Synthesized from petrochemical feedstocks, though production processes are generally efficient with low environmental impact. Biodegradability studies show moderate breakdown in aquatic environments. No known critical sustainability concerns in current supply chains.
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary for Dodecyldimethylamine oxide PubChem
- Surfactant Science Series Vol. 124: Amine Oxides
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorPhysicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID1020514
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 229.408 g/mol🔬 EPA CompTox |
| Density | 0.85 g/cm^3🔬 EPA CTX |
| Boiling Point | 244 °C📊 OPERA |
| Melting Point | 131.211 °C🔬 EPA CTX |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 4.266 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 5.5) | 3.922 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogD (pH 7.4) | 4.255 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| LogKoa (Octanol-Air) | 6.35 Log10 unitless📊 OPERA |
| Water Solubility | 0.828 mol/L🔬 EPA CTX |
| Henry's Law Constant | 0 atm-m3/mole📊 OPERA |
Transport Properties
| Vapor Pressure | 0 mmHg🔬 EPA CTX |
Molecular Descriptors
| Topological Polar Surface Area | 23.06 Ų💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Donors | 0 count💻 Computed |
| H-Bond Acceptors | 1 count💻 Computed |
| Rotatable Bonds | 11 count💻 Computed |
| Aromatic Rings | 0 count💻 Computed |
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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