Dodecanal

/ˌdɒdɪˈkeɪnəl/ noun

Definition

An organic compound with twelve carbon atoms and an aldehyde functional group; a type of aldehyde used in fragrances.

Etymology

From 'dodecane' (a twelve-carbon alkane) plus '-al' (aldehyde suffix). Named for its twelve-carbon backbone and its aldehyde structure.

Kelly Says

Dodecanal is a key ingredient in many expensive perfumes because it has a crisp, citrus-like quality—its smell comes entirely from having exactly twelve carbons in the right arrangement.

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