Dodecil

Dodecil, also spelled dodecyl, designates a straight‑chain alkyl substituent containing 12 carbon atoms (C12H25) in organic chemistry. The term is used as a prefix or suffix in the naming of compounds and denotes a C12 hydrocarbon tail. The name derives from the Greek dodeka meaning twelve and the suffix -yl.

Dodecyl groups are nonpolar and lipophilic, making them the hydrophobic tails in many amphiphilic molecules. They are common in surfactants and detergents, where the dodecyl chain provides the hydrophobic portion and the ionic or polar head group provides water solubility. Examples include sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS, also called sodium lauryl sulfate) and dodecylbenzenesulfonate. Dodecyl chains also appear in various esters, amides, and ethers used in industrial formulations and cosmetics.

In synthesis, dodecyl groups are introduced through alkylation or by reduction and functionalization of 12‑carbon precursors. In many applications, the exact properties of a dodecyl compound depend on the accompanying functional group and counterion, which influence solubility, charge, and surfactant behavior.

Nomenclature: dodecyl is a generic descriptor for a C12 alkyl chain. In common usage, it is related to, but distinct from, other long-chain groups such as lauryl (often used interchangeably with dodecyl in surfactant contexts) and cetyl (C16). See also related terms such as lauryl alcohol and dodecyl sulfate.

Safety: Many dodecyl-containing surfactants can act as irritants to skin and eyes. They are typically used following product safety guidelines and regulatory limits.