Tetrapropylene Benzene
- Anionic surfactants
- CAS 68512-02-7
- IUPAC: Benzene, (tetrapropenyl) derivatives
Tetrapropylene Benzene (CAS 68512-02-7) appears in 2 of the 1,812 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of June 2026).
At low concentrations in finished leather care products, no significant acute health hazard. Not classified as Prop 65 listed. Surfactant precursor used at low levels in specialized formulas.
Tetrapropylene benzene (CAS 68512-02-7) is a branched-chain alkylbenzene produced by alkylation of benzene with propylene oligomers. It represents an older surfactant chemistry — the highly branched C12 alkyl chain (from tetrapropylene) resists microbial biodegradation compared to linear chain (LAS-type) alkylbenzenes.
At the concentrations present in modern leather care formulas, it serves as a cleaning and emulsification aid. Environmental persistence is its main concern, though at product-use concentrations the absolute load is minimal. The CA RTK discloses its presence as a cleaning agent.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- no
- Prop 65 listed
- no
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- yes
- Biodegradable
- no
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- yes
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 3/5
Common questions about Tetrapropylene Benzene
- What is Tetrapropylene Benzene used for in car care?
- Highly branched alkylbenzene cleaning agent; detergent intermediate and emulsifier
- Is Tetrapropylene Benzene a VOC?
- No. Tetrapropylene Benzene is not classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
- Is Tetrapropylene Benzene on California's Proposition 65 list?
- No. Tetrapropylene Benzene is not on California's Proposition 65 list.
2 products contain this
Griot's Garage Leather 3-in-1Prop 65leather-conditioner
Griot's Garage Leather 3-in-1 SprayProp 65leather-care
Related
Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.