FlavScents AInsights Entry for 1-Dodecanol (CAS: 112-53-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

1-Dodecanol, also known as lauryl alcohol, is a fatty alcohol with the IUPAC name dodecan-1-ol. It is identified by the CAS number 112-53-8. The FEMA number for 1-dodecanol is 2479. Other identifiers include the FL number 02.015 and CoE number 01.002. The molecular formula of 1-dodecanol is C12H26O, and it has a molecular weight of 186.34 g/mol. This compound features a hydroxyl group attached to a long carbon chain, which influences its odor profile and functional properties in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

1-Dodecanol is characterized by a mild, fatty, and waxy odor with a low intensity. It is often described as having a faint floral note, contributing to its use as a background modifier in fragrance compositions. The odor threshold for 1-dodecanol is relatively high, making it less impactful as a primary scent but useful for adding subtlety and depth. Its sensory role is typically as a background realism enhancer or a modifier in both flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

1-Dodecanol is naturally found in small quantities in various plant and animal sources, including coconut oil and palm kernel oil. It can also be formed through the hydrogenation of lauric acid, a common fatty acid in these oils. The presence of 1-dodecanol in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on its extraction and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, 1-dodecanol is used primarily in dairy, confectionery, and bakery products. It serves as a functional modifier, enhancing creamy and fatty notes. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to undesirable waxy notes. It is generally stable under typical food processing conditions, although it may oxidize under prolonged exposure to air.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

1-Dodecanol is utilized in fragrance formulations across various product types, including personal care products and household cleaners. It is often included in floral and oriental fragrance families, where it acts as a modifier or a base note contributor. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect. Its low volatility makes it suitable for providing long-lasting scent characteristics.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, 1-dodecanol is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with the FL number 02.015. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for its use in flavors and fragrances, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, Brazil and MERCOSUR countries recognize its use under harmonized regulations, although specific limits may vary.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, 1-dodecanol has a high margin of safety, with no specific ADI established, but it is considered safe at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, with low irritation and sensitization potential, as supported by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent respiratory irritation. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

1-Dodecanol is valued for its ability to enhance creamy and fatty notes in flavors and provide subtle depth in fragrances. It synergizes well with other fatty alcohols and esters. Formulators should be cautious of its waxy note at higher concentrations, which can overpower delicate formulations. It is often under-used in fragrance bases where its low volatility can be advantageous for longevity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on 1-dodecanol is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although specific use levels may vary by application. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies specific to inhalation exposure, which are limited but generally not a concern due to low volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents

QA Check

• All required sections 1-9 are present
• "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
• Flavor section includes ppm ranges
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable here)

About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.

Generated 2026-07-02 11:58:57 GMT (p2)