Cetyl Alcohol, also known as 1-Hexadecanol, is a fatty alcohol with the chemical formula C16H34O and a molecular weight of 242.44。 It is a white, waxy solid at room temperature, with a melting point ranging from 47-50°C and a boiling point of 344°C. This alcohol is insoluble in water but is soluble in ethanol, ether, and chloroform.
Cetyl Alcohol is derived from natural sources such as coconut oil and palm kernel oil, and it is used in a variety of applications due to its emollient, emulsifying, and stabilizing properties. It is commonly used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products as an emulsifier and stabilizer. The hydrating properties of Cetyl Alcohol make it suitable for use in pharmaceutical formulations, and it is also present in washable ointment bases due to its dispersant abilities and stabilizing properties.
In addition to its use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, Cetyl Alcohol is also used as a coupling agent in detergents, a base for making sulfonated fatty acids, and a monomer lubricant in suspension polymerization. It may also exhibit antimicrobial activity, potentially due to its ability to alter cell membrane permeability, which can block the absorption of essential nutrients and induce the outward diffusion of vital cellular components.
Overall, Cetyl Alcohol is a versatile ingredient in the personal care and pharmaceutical industries, offering moisturizing and stabilizing benefits, and is recognized for its low toxicity and thrilling.