FlavScents AInsights Entry for Dodecanal (Aldehyde C-12 Lauric)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Dodecanal, Aldehyde C-12 Lauric
- IUPAC Name: Dodecanal
- CAS Number: 112-54-9
- FEMA Number: 2362
- Other Identifiers: FL No. 12.003
- Molecular Formula: C12H24O
- Molecular Weight: 184.32 g/mol
Dodecanal is a saturated aliphatic aldehyde characterized by a long carbon chain. Its structure contributes to its distinctive odor profile, which is often described as fatty and citrus-like. The aldehyde functional group is crucial for its reactivity and sensory properties, making it a valuable component in both flavor and fragrance formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Dodecanal is known for its strong, fatty, and citrus-like odor, reminiscent of orange peel and tallow. It is often used as an impact note in formulations due to its potent and diffusive nature. The odor threshold of dodecanal is relatively low, allowing it to impart a noticeable scent even at minimal concentrations. Its sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer, providing depth and realism to citrus and fruity accords.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Dodecanal occurs naturally in various citrus oils, including orange and lemon, and is also found in coriander seed oil. It can be formed through the oxidation of dodecane or via the enzymatic degradation of fatty acids. Its presence in natural sources allows it to be designated as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" under certain regulatory frameworks, depending on the extraction and processing methods used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Dodecanal is widely used in flavor formulations, particularly in citrus, fruity, and floral categories. It serves as a key impact note, enhancing the authenticity and complexity of citrus flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially leading to overpowering or off-notes. Dodecanal is stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat or oxidative environments, necessitating careful formulation considerations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, dodecanal is utilized across various fragrance families, including citrus, floral, and aldehydic compositions. It functions as a top note, providing freshness and lift to the overall scent profile. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and diffusion. Its volatility allows it to contribute significantly to the initial impression of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Recognized as GRAS by FEMA for flavor use.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with FL No. 12.003.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Approved for use in Japan and China, with specific concentration limits.
- Latin America: Generally accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries, subject to local regulations.
Dodecanal's regulatory status is well-established in major markets, with harmonized assumptions across regions. However, formulators should verify specific country requirements to ensure compliance.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Dodecanal is considered safe for use in food flavors at typical concentrations, with a high margin of safety.
- Dermal Exposure: Generally non-irritating at typical fragrance concentrations, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific product types.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risks, but occupational exposure limits should be observed in manufacturing settings.
The risk profiles for dodecanal differ slightly between food and fragrance applications, primarily due to concentration and exposure routes.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Dodecanal is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, citrus-like character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, enhancing overall complexity. Common pitfalls include overuse, leading to overpowering scents or flavors. It is often under-utilized in non-citrus applications where it can add unexpected depth and realism.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on dodecanal is well-documented, with robust sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-established, though some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific regional regulatory updates.
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
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 2026-02-13 14:58:54 GMT (p2)