1-Hexadecanol
[CAS# 36653-82-4]

Identification

• Classification: Organic raw materials >> Alcohols, phenols, phenolic compounds and derivatives >> Acyclic alcohol
• Name: 1-Hexadecanol
• Synonyms: Cetyl alcohol; Hexadecyl alcohol; Palmityl alcohol
• Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₄O
• Molecular Weight: 242.44
• CAS Registry Number: 36653-82-4
• EC Number: 253-149-0
• FEMA: 2554
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCO

Properties

• Density: 0.818 g/mL
• Melting point: 47-50 ºC
• Boiling point: 179-181 ºC (10 mmHg) (Expl.)
• Solubility: ethanol soluble 100 mL/mL (Expl.), water insoluble

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H319
• Precautionary Statements: P264+P265-P280-P305+P351+P338-P337+P317

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Acute hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Acute	1	H400
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	4	H413
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	1	H410
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H335
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H312
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	2	H225
Specific target organ toxicity - single exposure	STOT SE	3	H336
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2A	H319

Discovory and Applicatios

1-Hexadecanol, also known as cetyl alcohol, is a long-chain fatty alcohol with the molecular formula C₁₆H₃₄O. It is a colorless, waxy solid that melts at around 49 to 55 °C and is practically insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and chloroform. 1-Hexadecanol naturally occurs in various plant and animal waxes, including spermaceti, beeswax, and some vegetable oils.

The discovery of 1-hexadecanol traces back to the isolation of fatty alcohols from natural waxes in the 19th century. Its extraction and purification from spermaceti oil, historically obtained from sperm whales, marked the initial industrial interest in this compound. Modern production methods predominantly involve the hydrogenation of fatty acids or esters derived from palm oil or other vegetable oils, making it widely available from renewable sources.

1-Hexadecanol finds extensive use in the cosmetic and personal care industries. It acts primarily as an emollient, thickener, and stabilizer in creams, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and other topical formulations. Its waxy texture contributes to the smooth feel of products and improves their spreadability on the skin and hair. Additionally, it enhances the viscosity and stability of emulsions by strengthening the oil phase, helping to maintain product consistency over time.

In pharmaceutical formulations, 1-hexadecanol serves as an excipient in ointments and creams, where it functions as a lubricant and emollient. It helps to form protective barriers on the skin surface, reducing water loss and improving hydration. Its low toxicity and skin compatibility have led to widespread acceptance in topical therapeutic products.

Industrial applications of 1-hexadecanol extend to the manufacture of detergents, lubricants, and plasticizers. It is also a precursor in the synthesis of cetyl esters used in cosmetics and surfactants. The compound’s hydrophobic and lipophilic properties make it suitable for modifying surface characteristics and enhancing the texture of various materials.

In the food industry, 1-hexadecanol is approved as a food additive and is used as a stabilizer, emulsifier, or coating agent. Its application includes use in confectionery and packaging to improve texture and shelf life. Its natural origin and biodegradability make it an attractive alternative to synthetic additives.

From a chemical standpoint, 1-hexadecanol is relatively stable, resistant to mild acids and bases, and has a low reactivity under normal conditions. It can undergo oxidation to form fatty acids or be esterified to form cetyl esters. Its long carbon chain contributes to its hydrophobic nature and wax-like consistency.

Safety evaluations confirm that 1-hexadecanol is non-toxic and non-irritating to skin and eyes under typical use conditions. It is considered safe by regulatory agencies worldwide for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food products when used within recommended limits.

Overall, 1-hexadecanol is an important fatty alcohol in multiple industries due to its natural occurrence, functional properties, and safety profile. Its versatility as an emollient, stabilizer, and precursor to other compounds continues to support its broad use in consumer and industrial applications.

References

1984. Colloidal structures of O/W creams. Pharmaceutisch Weekblad. Scientific Edition, 6(4).
DOI: 10.1007/bf01954041

2000. Straight-chain fatty alcohols in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus. Extremophiles: Life Under Extreme Conditions, 4(5).
DOI: 10.1007/s007920070013

2016. Identification of long chain specific aldehyde reductase and its use in enhanced fatty alcohol production in E. coli. Metabolic Engineering, 37.
DOI: 10.1016/j.ymben.2016.04.003