1-Dodecanol

1Identification

Name

1-Dodecanol

IUPAC name

dodecan-1-ol

CAS number

112-53-8 (also reported: 27342-88-7, 68551-07-5)

EC number

203-982-0

Molecular formula

C12H26O

Molecular weight

186.33 g/mol

InChIKey

LQZZUXJYWNFBMV-UHFFFAOYSA-N

SMILES

CCCCCCCCCCCCO

PubChem CID

8193

Synonyms

Dodecan-1-ol, Dodecyl alcohol, Lauryl alcohol, n-Dodecyl alcohol, Lauric alcohol, Laurinic alcohol, Undecyl carbinol, Dodecylalcohol, 1-Hydroxydodecane, Pisol, 1-Dodecyl alcohol, n-Dodecan-1-ol, Duodecyl alcohol, Lorol 5

Recommended uses

• Used to manufacture sulfuric acid esters (wetting agents) and in synthetic detergents, lube additives, pharmaceuticals, rubber, textiles, and perfumes; Also used as a flavoring agent and as a foam stabilizer for alcohol sulfate surfactants; [HSDB] Used to make surfactants for detergents, cleaning products, shampoos, cosmetics, lubricants, wetting agents, emulsifiers, dispersing agents, and antioxidants; Also used to make biocides and disinfectants; 1-Dodecanol is used in foam control, aluminum rolling, metalworking, and in the rubber, textiles, cosmetics, and perfume industries;
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Aluminum Producing [Category: Industry] Metal Machining [Category: Heat or Machine] Textiles (Fiber & Fabric Manufacturing) [Category: Industry]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Used to make detergents, sulfonic acid esters (wetting agents), thiodipropionate, lauryl chloride, specialty ethoxylates, sulfate defoamers, lube additives, pharmaceuticals, rubbers, textiles, perfumes, and foaming agents; [HSDB]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
• Emulsifier Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Cleaning agent Intermediate Lubricating agent Solvent Solubility enhancer Surfactant (surface active agent)
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)
• Lubricating agent Cleaning agent Not Known or Reasonably Ascertainable Emulsifier
  EPA Chemical Data Reporting (CDR)

Use categories: EPA Safer Chemical Functional Use Classes -> Solvents · Safer Chemical Classes -> Green circle - The chemical has been verified to be of low concern · Fragrance Ingredients · Flavouring Agent -> FLAVOURING_AGENT -> JECFA Functional Classes

Description

• Dodecanol is a colorless thick liquid with a sweet odor. Floats on water. Freezing point is 75 °F. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Dodecan-1-ol is a primary alcohol that is dodecane in which a hydrogen from one of the methyl groups is replaced by a hydroxy group. It is registered for use in apple and pear orchards as a Lepidopteran pheromone/sex attractant, used to disrupt the mating behaviour of certain moths whose larvae destroy crops. It has a role as an insect attractant, an insecticide, a pheromone, a cosmetic, a plant metabolite and a bacterial metabolite. It is a primary alcohol and a dodecanol.
  ChEBI
• 1-Dodecanol is a saturated 12-carbon fatty alcohol obtained from coconut oil fatty acids. It has a floral odor and is used in detergents, lubricating oils, and pharmaceuticals. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 5th ed)
  DrugBank

2Hazard identification

Signal word

Warning

Pictograms

GHS07, GHS09

Classification source

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

Precautionary statements

Other reported classifications

4 classification records exist across sources. Differences usually reflect purity, physical form or impurities.

NFPA 704 rating

• 3 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause serious or permanent injury.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 1 - Materials that must be preheated before ignition can occur. Materials require considerable preheating, under all ambient temperature conditions, before ignition and combustion can occur.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• 0 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable, even under fire conditions.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Health hazards

• Liquid will cause burning of the eyes and may irritate skin. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Fire hazards

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]: Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Some may be transported hot. For UN3508, Capacitor, asymmetric, be aware of possible short circuiting as this product is transported in a charged state. Polymeric beads, expandable (UN2211) may evolve flammable vapours. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Combustible.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Hazards summary

• Higher alcohols are not highly toxic in the industrial setting; Can cause liver injury, somnolence, and respiratory depression in experimental animals; A skin and eye irritant; [HSDB] Inhalation of high concentrations may cause CNS depression; [CHEMINFO] Safe when used as a flavoring agent in food; [JECFA] Practically nontoxic and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) in food; [Reference #1] Causes general depressed activity after administration onto skin of rabbit; [RTEC] An irritant; [MSDSonline]
  Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases

3Composition / information on ingredients

This page describes the pure substance. Commercial products may be solutions or mixtures. Check Section 3 of your supplier's SDS for concentrations and other ingredients.

4First-aid measures

• SKIN OR EYES: wash exposed areas with water. (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Symptoms of exposure

• Cough. Sore throat.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Redness. Pain.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

5Fire-fighting measures

• Wear self contained breathing apparatus for fire fighting if necessary.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Alcohol foam, carbon dioxide, dry chemical. Water or foam may cause frothing. Water may be ineffective on fire. Cool exposed containers with water.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Hazardous combustion products

• Special hazards arising from the substance: Carbon oxides
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

6Accidental release measures

Isolation and evacuation

• Excerpt from ERG Guide 171 [Substances (Low to Moderate Hazard)]: IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase the immediate precautionary measure distance, in the downwind direction, as necessary. FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
  CAMEO Chemicals

Spill cleanup

• Personal protection: filter respirator for organic gases and particulates adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Ventilation. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. If liquid: collect leaking liquid in containers. Absorb remaining liquid in inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Accidental Release Measures: ... Prevent further leakage or spillage if safe to do so. Do not let product enter drains. Discharge into the environment must be avoided.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Accidental Release Measures: ... Use protective equipment. Avoid dust formation. Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas. Avoid breathing dust.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

7Handling and storage

• Cool. Well closed. Store in an area without drain or sewer access. Provision to contain effluent from fire extinguishing.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
• Keep tightly closed. Store in a cool dry place.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

8Exposure controls / personal protection

No occupational exposure limits found in our sources.

Personal protective equipment

• Chemical gloves; chemical goggles (USCG, 1999)
  CAMEO Chemicals
• Eye/face protection: Safety glasses with side-shields conforming to EN 166. Use equipment for eye protection tested and approved under appropriate governmetn standards such as NIOSH (US) or EN 166(EU).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Skin protection: Handle with gloves. Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance wit applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• For nuisance exposures use type P95 (US) or type P1 (EU EN 143) particle respirator. For higher level protection use type OV/AG/P99 (US) or type ABEK-P2 (EU EN 143) respirator cartridges...
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

9Physical and chemical properties

10Stability and reactivity

Reactivity

• DODECANOL is an alcohol. Flammable and/or toxic gases are generated by the combination of alcohols with alkali metals, nitrides, and strong reducing agents. They react with oxoacids and carboxylic acids to form esters plus water. Oxidizing agents convert them to aldehydes or ketones. Alcohols exhibit both weak acid and weak base behavior. They may initiate the polymerization of isocyanates and epoxides.
  CAMEO Chemicals
• No rapid reaction with air. No rapid reaction with water.
  CAMEO Chemicals

Incompatible materials and hazardous reactions

• Incompatible materials: Strong oxidizing agents.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• ...Can react with oxidizing materials.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

11Toxicological information

Routes of exposure

• The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation, through the skin and by ingestion.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

Short-term exposure effects

• The substance is irritating to the skin, eyes and possibly the respiratory tract. If swallowed the substance may cause vomiting and could result in aspiration pneumonitis.
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

12Ecological information

Environmental fate

• 1-Dodecanol's production and use in detergents and soaps, in fragrances, and to a lesser extent in wetting, emulsifying, and foaming agents may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams. 1-Dodecanol has been found as a natural component of some essential oils from plants. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 8.48X10-4 mm Hg at 25 °C indicates 1-dodecanol will exist solely as a vapor in the atmosphere. Vapor-phase 1-dodecanol will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 21 hours.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Ecotoxicity

• LC50; Species: Pimephales promelas (Fathead minnow) weight 0.12 g; Conditions: flow-through bioassay, water hardness 45.5 mg/L CaCO3, temp: 25 +/- 1 °C, pH 7.5, dissolved oxygen >60% of saturation; Concentration: 1.01 mg/L for 96 hr
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• LC50; Species: Nitocra spinipes (Harpacticoid copepod); Conditions: static; Concentration: 0.9 mg/L for 96 hr (95% confidence limit: 0.8-1.2 mg/L) /formulated product/
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• EC50; Species: Brachionus calyciflorus (Rotifer); Conditions: static; Concentration: 810 ug/L for 48 hr (95% confidence limit: 767-1020 ug/L); Effect: decreased distance moved, change in direct movement
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

13Disposal considerations

• SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

14Transport information

UN number: UN 3077

DOT label

• Class 9
  CAMEO Chemicals

UN classification

• UN Hazard Class: 9; UN Pack Group: III
  ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)

How DOT hazard classes work →

15Regulatory information

• Residues of lauryl alcohol are exempted from the requirement of a tolerance when used in accordance with good agricultural practice as inert (or occasionally active) ingredients in pesticide formulations applied to growing crops or to raw agricultural commodities after harvest. Use: surfactant.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Section 4(g)(2)(A) of FIFRA calls for the Agency to determine, after submission of relevant data concerning an active ingredient, whether or not products containing the active ingredient are eligible for reregistration. The Agency has previously identified and required the submission of the generic (i.e., active ingredient-specific) data required to support reregistration of products containing aliphatic alcohols as an active ingredient. The Agency has completed its review of these generic data, and has determined that the data are sufficient to support reregistration of all products containing aliphatic alcohols (C6 - C16).
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
• Lauryl alcohol is a food additive permitted for direct addition to food for human consumption as a synthetic flavoring substance and adjuvant in accordance with the following conditions: a) they are used in the minimum quantity required to produce their intended effect, and otherwise in accordance with all the principles of good manufacturing practice, and b) they consist of one or more of the following, used alone or in combination with flavoring substances and adjuvants generally recognized as safe in food, prior-sanctioned for such use, or regulated by an appropriate section in this part.
  Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

Overview of SDS regulations (OSHA HazCom, WHMIS, REACH/CLP) →

16Other information

Compiled from PubChem CID 8193 and the sources it aggregates (attributed inline). Data retrieved 2026-10-12. This summary describes the pure substance and is not a supplier SDS.