Note Profile
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.
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.
Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.
CAS 112-54-9
Held as `dodecanal` on CAS 112-54-9 - lauric aldehyde, which the old evidence named as the material that would realise this note while asserting we did not hold it. The MNA reading (2-methylundecanal, 110-41-8) is ALSO held; the trade name covers both and this edge takes the lauric one its own prose named first. Corrected 2026-08-18 by re-running the identity ladder over every material_not_held edge.
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.
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.
A selection of reviewed perfumes where Aldehyde C-12 appears prominently.
No perfumes featuring this note have been reviewed yet. Check back soon.
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