Distillates, petroleum, hydrotreated light (CAS 64742-47-8) — Citrus Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Citrus · Floral

Distillates, petroleum, hydrotreated light

CAS 64742-47-8

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Distillates, petroleum, hydrotreated light?

Hydrotreated light petroleum distillates are refined mineral oils commonly encountered in industrial lubricants, cosmetics, and some household products. While not traditionally used in fine fragrances, they appear as base solvents or carriers in certain perfumery applications. Their importance lies in providing neutral, odorless vehicles for fragrance delivery, though they lack the aromatic complexity of botanical ingredients.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Generally recognized as safe in regulated applications
⚠ Avoid prolonged skin contact in undiluted form
CAS
64742-47-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Floral
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Distillates, petroleum, hydrotreated light Smell Like?

Hydrotreated light petroleum distillates are typically odorless or possess an extremely faint, neutral hydrocarbon character. When present in fragrances, they serve as blank canvases that neither contribute nor interfere with scent profiles. Their dry-down is imperceptible, functioning purely as carriers rather than aromatic contributors.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

These distillates consist of complex mixtures of saturated hydrocarbons obtained through catalytic hydrotreatment of petroleum fractions. The process removes sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen compounds, yielding materials with consistent boiling ranges. While not single molecules, they are characterized by carbon chain lengths typically between C15-C30.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Boiling RangeVaries by fraction
Flash Point>100°C
ViscosityLow to medium

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low
Blending
Neutral
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Industrial Fragrances50-90%VariablePrimary carrier solvent
Cosmetics10-30%5-50%Emollient base
Household Products20-60%10-80%Fragrance diluent

Classic Accords

Tip: Use as neutral base for functional fragrances where cost-effectiveness is prioritized over olfactory complexity.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
White Mineral Oil CAS 8042-47-5

Higher purity alternative for cosmetic applications with stricter regulatory requirements.

2
Dodecane CAS 112-40-3

Single-component hydrocarbon solvent for precise formulation control in niche applications.

3
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride CAS 73398-61-5

Plant-derived ester alternative for natural formulations requiring biodegradability.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

Not specifically restricted by IFRA, but general guidelines for petroleum-derived materials apply.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has not conducted specific safety assessments on this complex mixture due to its non-aromatic nature.

Sustainability

Petroleum-derived ingredients raise environmental concerns regarding fossil fuel dependence and biodegradability. While hydrotreatment reduces sulfur content, the carbon footprint remains significant compared to renewable alternatives. The industry is gradually shifting toward bio-based solvents where technically feasible.

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References

  1. EPA. (2021). Petroleum Hydrocarbon Streams Category. EPA Report
  2. Cosmetic Ingredient Review. (2019). Safety Assessment of Petroleum-Derived Ingredients. CIR Report
  3. PubChem. (2023). Hydrotreated Light Petroleum Distillates. PubChem

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 64742-47-8
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.

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