Alcohols, C16-18
[CAS# 67762-27-0]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Fatty alcohol
• Name: Alcohols, C16-18
• Synonyms: Speziol C 16-18; Speziol D Pharma; Stenol 1618; Stenol PC; Surfol 1618; Tego Alkanol 1618; Cetearyl alcohol
• Molecular Formula: C₃₄H₇₂O₂
• Molecular Weight: 512.93
• CAS Registry Number: 67762-27-0
• EC Number: 267-008-6
• SMILES: CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCO.CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCO

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS07 Warning
• Hazard Statements: H302-H315-H319
• Precautionary Statements: P501-P270-P264-P280-P302+P352-P337+P313-P305+P351+P338-P362+P364-P332+P313-P301+P312+P330

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	4	H413
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	3	H412

Discovory and Applicatios

Alcohols, C16-18, also known as fatty alcohols, are a group of long-chain alcohols derived from natural fats and oils, primarily from vegetable sources such as palm oil, coconut oil, or animal fats. These alcohols typically contain 16 to 18 carbon atoms in their alkyl chain, making them medium to long-chain alcohols. They are commonly used in a variety of industries, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications due to their versatile properties.

The discovery of fatty alcohols dates back to the early 20th century, when scientists first began isolating them from natural oils. The C16-18 alcohols are produced through the reduction of fatty acids or their esters, which are found in abundant natural sources. These alcohols are mainly used as emulsifiers, surfactants, and emollients in different products.

In the cosmetic and personal care industry, alcohols, C16-18, are widely used in formulations like creams, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners. They function as emulsifiers and thickeners, helping to improve the texture and consistency of the product. Their hydrophobic nature allows them to help create stable emulsions by reducing the surface tension between oil and water phases. These alcohols are also used as skin conditioning agents, imparting a smooth and soft feel to the skin. As a result, they are commonly found in products designed for skin hydration, hair care, and body care.

In addition to their cosmetic uses, alcohols, C16-18, have applications in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in drug formulations where they act as surfactants or emulsifiers. They can help to improve the bioavailability of certain drugs by assisting in the formulation of stable suspensions and emulsions.

Another key application of C16-18 alcohols is in industrial processes. They are used in the production of detergents, cleaners, and lubricants. Their ability to reduce surface tension and improve wetting properties makes them effective in cleaning and degreasing operations. They are also used in the manufacture of paints and coatings, where they help improve the formulation’s consistency and texture.

Additionally, alcohols, C16-18, are used in the production of plasticizers, which are added to plastics to improve flexibility and workability. Their use as plasticizers in polymer formulations contributes to the manufacturing of a wide range of plastic products.

While alcohols, C16-18, are generally considered safe for use in various applications, there are some concerns regarding their environmental impact. As non-biodegradable compounds, they can accumulate in the environment and may have adverse effects on aquatic life if released in large quantities. Efforts are being made to source these alcohols sustainably and minimize their ecological footprint.

In conclusion, alcohols, C16-18, are widely used in many industries due to their effective emulsifying, surfacting, and conditioning properties. Their main applications are in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, industrial processes, and the production of plasticizers. These alcohols are primarily derived from natural fats and oils, contributing to their widespread use in various products designed to enhance performance and provide desired textures.

References

2024. Bioactive compounds from fermented Vernonia amygdalina leaf: Potent antibiotics against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhi. In Silico Pharmacology, 12(2).
DOI: 10.1007/s40203-024-00277-2

2024. Electronic nose-based monitoring of vacuum-packaged chicken meat freshness in room and refrigerated storage. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization, 18(8).
DOI: 10.1007/s11694-024-02847-6

2023. Metabolic engineering of Corynebacterium glutamicum for fatty alcohol production from glucose and wheat straw hydrolysate. Biotechnology for Biofuels and Bioproducts, 16(1).
DOI: 10.1186/s13068-023-02367-3