Cyclododecanol (CDOL)

The secondary alcohol cyclododecanol (CDOL) is a colorless solid with a pronounced camphor-like odor. It is readily soluble in organic solvents but has only limited solubility (0.004% by weight) in water.

CDOL is produced by boric-acid catalyzed oxidation of cyclododecane.

• CDOL is an intermediate in the synthesis of laurolactam, the monomer of polyamide 12 (VESTAMID® L). Laurolactam itself is synthesized from cyclododecane, with cyclododecanol, cyclododecanone and cyclododecanone oxime as intermediates in successive steps.

• oxidative ring cleavage of CDOL gives 1,12-dodecanedioic acid, also an important component for polymer synthesis.
• the fragrance industry uses CDOL to a large extent for synthesis of macrocyclic perfume ingredients with a musky note.
• fragrances of a woody character are also produced using CDOL.