Synthetic

Aldehyde C-12

Note Profile

Natural

About

Aldehyde C-12, or dodecanal, is a synthetic fatty aldehyde with a powerful, diffusive scent blending waxy, citrus-peel, and soapy-floral notes. It provides radiant lift and abstract freshness in perfumery. Commonly used in low doses for brilliance in aldehydic compositions.

Scent Profile

Aldehyde C-12 exhibits a strong, waxy aroma with prominent citrus-peel facets, evolving into creamy soapy and slightly floral-lactonic nuances. Its profile is fresh and clean with herbal-green undertones, highly diffusive despite its chain length. Compared to shorter aldehydes, it offers a softer, more luxurious aldehydic radiance often likened to sunlight on fabric.

Citrus 35%

Floral 25%

Fruity 0%

Green 15%

Sweet 0%

Warm 0%

Woody 0%

Earthy 0%

Animalic 0%

Fresh 75%

Origin

Aldehyde C-12 is the synthetic aliphatic aldehyde dodecanal (C12H24O, CAS 112-54-9), produced via oxidation of lauric alcohol or homologation of shorter aldehydes. Though naturally occurring in trace amounts in citrus oils and rose extracts, perfumery grades are fully synthetic for purity and scale. Key producers include Givaudan and Firmenich, with variants like C-12 Lauric (straight chain) distinguished from branched C12 MNA.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers deploy Aldehyde C-12 in trace amounts (under 0.2%) primarily in top notes for airy brilliance and diffusion in aldehydic florals, chypres, and citrus compositions. It synergizes with white florals like jasmine and orange blossom, ionones, musks, and other aldehydes (C10, C11) to enhance soapy cleanliness and floral expansion. Iconic in Chanel No. 5-style bouquets and modern clean linen effects.