Decyl alcohol

CAS 112-30-1

Decyl alcohol (CAS 112-30-1) illustrates how molecular structure determines chemical role. Decyl alcohol, or 1-decanol, is a straight-chain ten-carbon primary alcohol. Its structure places one polar hydroxyl group at the end of a long hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain, giving it the amphiphilic character that underlies many of its uses. It occurs naturally in some plant-derived materials but is also manufactured industrially as part of the fatty-alcohol family. 1-Decanol is used as a chemical intermediate and in formulations for surfactants, lubricants, plasticizers, flavors, fragrances, and personal-care materials. The terminal hydroxyl group can be esterified, etherified, oxidized, or converted into other derivatives, while the C10 chain contributes hydrophobicity. It is therefore less a single-purpose chemical than a versatile starting point for molecules that need a medium-length alkyl group plus a.