Alkanes, C12-14-iso- (CAS 68551-19-9) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Citrus

Alkanes, C12-14-iso-

CAS 68551-19-9

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

What Is Alkanes, C12-14-iso-?

Alkanes C12-14-iso are synthetic hydrocarbon chains used primarily as solvents or carriers in industrial fragrances and household products. You might encounter them in cleaning agents or as base components in air fresheners. These compounds matter because they provide stability and controlled release for volatile fragrance ingredients, though they themselves are nearly odorless.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Low toxicity profile
⚠ Avoid prolonged skin contact
CAS
68551-19-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Citrus
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Alkanes, C12-14-iso- Smell Like?

Alkanes C12-14-iso are essentially odorless, serving as neutral carriers rather than active scent components. Their primary olfactory contribution is a faint waxy character that disappears quickly. In formulations, they function as invisible scaffolding—providing structure without interfering with the intended fragrance profile. Their dry-down leaves no perceptible trace.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

These branched-chain alkanes are synthesized through oligomerization processes, typically involving catalytic polymerization of lower molecular weight olefins. The C12-14 designation indicates carbon chain lengths between 12 and 14 atoms, with iso-branching reducing crystallization tendencies compared to straight-chain alkanes. Their hydrophobicity (high XLogP) makes them useful for extending the release of polar fragrance compounds.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless liquid
SolubilityInsoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low
Blending
Neutral
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Functional Fragrances10-30%Up to 50%Carrier solvent
Household Cleaners5-15%Up to 25%Delivery system

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as a neutral diluent for concentrated fragrance oils needing extended release.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Dodecane CAS 112-40-3

Straight-chain C12 alkane with similar solvent properties but higher crystallization risk.

2
Isoparaffins C11-C13 CAS 64742-48-9

Alternative hydrocarbon solvent blend with comparable performance characteristics.

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.

RIFM Assessment

Not currently assessed by RIFM due to low fragrance use priority.

Sustainability

Synthesized from petroleum feedstocks, these alkanes raise typical hydrocarbon environmental concerns. Their persistence and bioaccumulation potential are mitigated by ready biodegradation under aerobic conditions. No known natural alternatives exist for this specific functionality.

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References

  1. OECD SIDS (2004). Alkanes, C12-14-iso-. OECD SIDS

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

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