Lauryl Alcohol, also known as 1-Dodecanol, is a fatty alcohol with the chemical formula C12H26O and a molecular weight of approximately 186.34. It is a colorless to Light yellow oily liquid or solid with a characteristic fatty alcohol odor and a faint floral scent. Lauryl Alcohol has a melting point of around 24°C and boils between 255-259°C. It is insoluble in water but is soluble in ethanol, ether, and other organic solvents.
This alcohol is derived from natural sources such as coconut oil and palm kernel oil, through a process of hydrogenation or transesterification. Lauryl Alcohol is used in a variety of applications, including the production of surfactants, emulsifiers, and various additives. It is also used in the manufacturing of perfumes, pharmaceuticals, rubber, and textile and leather processing aids.
Lauryl Alcohol is considered to have low toxicity, with an LD50 value for rats of around 12800mg/kg, indicating that it is relatively harmless. However, it can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. It is also considered to be a suspected carcinogen and should be handled with care.
In summary, Lauryl Alcohol is an important organic compound used in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries due to its versatile applications and properties.