Dodecanal is a chemical compound with the chemical formula CH3(CH2)10CHO, used in the fragrance and flavor industries. Its spelling is based on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription of its pronunciation. The first syllable is pronounced /dɒd/ with a short "o" as in "rod". The second syllable is pronounced /ɪ/ as in "bit". The third syllable is pronounced /kæn/ with a short "a" as in "cat". The final syllable is pronounced /æl/ with a short "a" as in "apple". Thus, the word is pronounced doh-deh-kæn-ahl.
Dodecanal is a noun that refers to a specific organic compound consisting of a straight-chain aldehyde with twelve carbon atoms. It is commonly known by its systematic name, dodecanal, but can also be referred to as laurinaldehyde due to its prevalent occurrence in the essential oils of lauraceous plants. Its chemical formula is C12H24O.
Dodecanal is a colorless to pale yellow liquid that possesses a strong, fatty odor reminiscent of aldehydes found in natural fruits and flowers. It is slightly soluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents. Due to its distinct fragrance, it is often used in the manufacturing of perfumes, personal care products, and other fragranced items.
In addition to its olfactory applications, dodecanal also serves as a valuable intermediate in the production of other chemicals. It can be transformed into various secondary alcohols, acids, and esters through several chemical reactions. Its versatility makes it a valuable component in the synthesis of flavors, preservatives, and pharmaceutical ingredients.
Although dodecanal is considered to have low toxicity, direct contact with skin, eyes, or ingestion should be avoided. It may cause irritation or sensitization in some individuals. Therefore, proper precautions and safety measures must be undertaken when handling this compound.
The word "dodecanal" is derived from a combination of two components: "dodeca" and "n-al".
1. "Dodeca" is a prefix originating from the Greek word "dōdeka", meaning twelve. It is commonly used in scientific terminology to denote the number twelve.
2. "N-al" is a suffix derived from the term "aldehyde", which refers to a class of organic compounds containing a carbonyl group (-CHO) bonded to a carbon atom and a hydrogen atom.
When combined, "dodeca" and "n-al" form the word "dodecanal", which specifically refers to a type of aldehyde compound with twelve carbon atoms in its molecular structure.