Lauryl alcohol

CAS: 112-53-8

Overview

Lauryl alcohol (CAS 112-53-8 ), also sold as 1-dodecanol or n-dodecyl alcohol, is a fatty alcohol derived from natural or synthetic sources used across personal care, food, and industrial formulations.

It functions primarily as an emulsifier, emollient, and surfactant intermediate, giving formulators a mid-chain fatty alcohol with broad compatibility across oil and water systems.

In personal care, it serves as a base material for ethoxylated surfactants and is incorporated directly into creams, lotions, and hair conditioners to improve texture and moisture retention.

Flavor manufacturers reference it under FEMA 2617 as a fatty note contributor in food-grade flavor systems. In coatings and adhesive formulations, it acts as a wetting agent.

It serves as a surface modifier to improve substrate adhesion and film uniformity. Industrial producers also use it as a chemical intermediate for the synthesis of lauryl sulfate surfactants.

Lauryl alcohol is supplied as a white waxy solid or low-melting flake at ambient temperature, typically transitioning to a clear liquid above its melting point for easier handling.

Standard commercial grades include technical, cosmetic, and food-grade specifications, with purity levels commonly at 98% or higher to meet strict industrial requirements.

Buyers sourcing for food or flavor applications should confirm compliance with relevant regional food additive standards and FCC quality benchmarks for safety and performance.

Physical Properties

Melting Point	24 °C
Boiling Point	259 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density	0.8309 g/cm³ @ Temp: 24 °C
Flash Point	>230 °F
Appearance	white low melting crystalline solid
Color	APHA: ≤10
Odor	Typical fatty alcohol odor; sweet.
Form	Liquid
Water Solubility	insoluble
Vapor Pressure	0.1 mm Hg ( 20 °C)
Refractive Index	n 20/D 1.442(lit.)
Log P	5.4 at 23℃

Safety & Handling

Warning GHS07 GHS09 GHS08 Hazard Statements H315 Causes skin irritation H319 Causes serious eye irritation H320 Causes eye irritation H335 May cause respiratory irritation H370 Causes damage to organs H371 May cause damage to organs H400 Very toxic to aquatic life H410 Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects H411 Toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects H412 Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects Precautionary Statements P260 Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P261 Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P270 Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product. P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P273 Avoid release to the environment. P280 Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P319 Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell. P321 Specific treatment (see … on this label). P391 Collect spillage. P405 Store locked up. P501 Dispose of contents/container in accordance with local regulations. P264+P265 Wash … thoroughly after handling. P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water. P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing. P308+P316 Get emergency medical help immediately. P332+P317 Get emergency medical help. P337+P317 If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help. P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. P403+P233 Store in a well-ventilated place. Keep container tightly closed. P305+P351+P338 IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code	29051700
UN Number	3077
ADR Class	9
Packing Group	III
WGK (Germany)	1

Other Names

Industries

Food & Nutrition Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants & Elastomers Personal Care & Cosmetics