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Cetyl alcohol

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Identification
Molecular formula
C16H34O
CAS number
36653-82-4
IUPAC name
hexadecan-1-ol
State
State

At room temperature, cetyl alcohol is a solid. It is often used for its emollient properties, contributing to the consistency and moisturizing properties of consumer products.

Melting point (Celsius)
49.00
Melting point (Kelvin)
322.15
Boiling point (Celsius)
344.00
Boiling point (Kelvin)
617.15
General information
Molecular weight
242.47g/mol
Molar mass
242.4470g/mol
Density
0.8160g/cm3
Appearence

Cetyl alcohol appears as a white, waxy solid. It is typically in the form of a flaky or granular substance. This alcohol is often used in cosmetic formulations and has a distinctive wax-like texture.

Comment on solubility

Solubility of Hexadecan-1-ol (C16H34O)

Hexadecan-1-ol, a long-chain fatty alcohol, exhibits unique solubility characteristics influenced by its molecular structure. The solubility of this compound is primarily dictated by the balance between its hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain and its hydrophilic hydroxyl group.

Solubility Characteristics:

  • High Lipophilicity: Due to its long carbon chain, hexadecan-1-ol is highly lipophilic, meaning it is not soluble in water. This is characteristic of many long-chain fatty alcohols.
  • Solvent Preference: It can dissolve in organic solvents such as ethanol, chloroform, and ether, which can accommodate its hydrophobic nature.
  • Limited Solubility in Water: While the hydroxyl group provides some potential for hydrogen bonding, the long alkyl chain impedes full solvation in polar solvents like water. Thus, its water solubility is very low.

In summary, hexadecan-1-ol showcases a profound example of how molecular structure governs solubility. As a long-chain alcohol, it remains insoluble in water but finds compatibility with various organic solvents, thereby influencing its applications in different fields such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Interesting facts

Interesting Facts about Hexadecan-1-ol

Hexadecan-1-ol, also known as cetyl alcohol, is a fascinating compound with a myriad of applications and properties that make it significant in both industrial and cosmetic fields:

  • Natural Origins: This compound is naturally derived from palm oil and coconut oil, highlighting its importance in sustainable chemistry.
  • Emollient Properties: Hexadecan-1-ol is renowned for its emollient properties, making it an ideal lipid for moisturizing creams and lotions, contributing to skin hydration and softness.
  • Emulsification: In formulations, it serves as an emulsifier, aiding in the blending of oil and water phases, which is crucial for the stability of many cosmetic products.
  • Industrial Partner: Beyond personal care, hexadecan-1-ol is utilized in the manufacturing of surfactants, detergents, and lubricants, underscoring its versatility.
  • Biological Significance: As a long-chain alcohol, it plays a role in biological membranes, providing insight into the structural aspects of cell biology.
  • Textile Industry: In the textile industry, it is used to enhance the feel of fabrics, demonstrating the compound's wide-ranging applicability.
  • Synthetic Pathways: Chemically, it can be synthesized through various methods, including the reduction of fatty acids, showcasing the interplay of different chemical reactions to create useful products.

In conclusion, hexadecan-1-ol is not just a simple fatty alcohol but is integral to various fields including cosmetics, biology, and industrial chemistry. As scientists delve deeper into its properties and potential applications, the versatility of this compound continues to expand.

Synonyms
1-Hexadecanol
cetyl alcohol
Hexadecan-1-ol
36653-82-4
HEXADECANOL
Cetanol
Palmityl alcohol
Hexadecyl alcohol
N-Hexadecanol
n-1-Hexadecanol
n-Cetyl alcohol
Cetaffine
Cetylol
Ethal
Ethol
Cetylic alcohol
n-Hexadecyl alcohol
Cetal
Crodacol C
Loxanwachs SK
Loxanol K extra
Elfacos C
Loxanol K
1-Hexadecyl alcohol
Atalco C
Cetalol CA
Crodacol-CAS
Crodacol-CAT
Siponol CC
Lanol C
1-Cetanol
Hyfatol 16
Cachalot C-50
Cachalot C-51
Cachalot C-52
Alcohol C-16
Aldol 54
Dytol F-11
palmitic alcohol
Cyclal cetyl alcohol
Alfol 16
Lorol 24
Adol 52
Adol 54
Hyfatol
Adol
Adol 52 NF
1-Hexadecyl alc
16-Hexadecanol
Epal 16NF
C16 alcohol
Cetylalkohol
Adol 520
Isocetyl alcohol
n-Hexadecan-1-ol
Cetyl alchol
1-Hexanedecanol
Alcohol cetylicus
FEMA No. 2554
FEMA Number 2554
Hexadecyl alcohol, normal
Normal primary hexadecyl alcohol
CO-1670
CO-1695
Isohexadecyl alcohol
Adol 52NF
SSD RP
HSDB 2643
Lipocol C
UNII-936JST6JCN
Fancol CA
Cetyl alcohol NF
NSC 4194
NSC-4194
EINECS 253-149-0
936JST6JCN
Crodacol C70
Rita CA
1-Hydroxyhexadecane
Cetanol (TN)
Lanette 16
BRN 1748475
Philcohol 1600
Cetyl alcohol (NF)
Cetyl alcohol [NF]
Lorol C16
LorolL 24
DTXSID4027991
Cachalot C-50 NF
CHEBI:16125
AI3-00755
NSC4194
MFCD00004760
DTXCID607991
N-HEXADECYL-D33 ALCOHOL
EC 253-149-0
4-01-00-01876 (Beilstein Handbook Reference)
124-29-8
NCGC00159368-02
NCGC00159368-05
CETYL ALCOHOL (II)
CETYL ALCOHOL [II]
Hexadecanol (VAN)
CETYL ALCOHOL (MART.)
CETYL ALCOHOL [MART.]
Cetyl alcohol; hexadecan-1-ol
CETYL ALCOHOL (USP-RS)
CETYL ALCOHOL [USP-RS]
cetylalcohol
Caswell No. 165D
CETYL ALCOHOL (EP MONOGRAPH)
CETYL ALCOHOL [EP MONOGRAPH]
CAS-36653-82-4
75736-52-6
EPA Pesticide Chemical Code 001508
Cetyl alcohol (hexadecanol)
hexadecylalcohol
Hexadecanol NF
Ceraphyl ICA
n-hexadecylalcohol
C16H34O
Crodacol C95NF
Eutanol G16
Crodacol C95 NF
Laurex 16
Alfol 16RD
SSD (Salt/Mix)
Cetanol (JP18)
Epal 16
Hyfatol 16-95
Kalcol 6098
Loxiol VPG 1743
1-Hexadecanol, 95%
SSD RP (Salt/Mix)
CETANOL [JAN]
1-Hexadecanol (Standard)
bmse000487
CHEMBL706
Michel XO-150-16
1-Hexadecanol, >=99%
CETYL ALCOHOL [MI]
SCHEMBL3381
CETYL ALCOHOL [HSDB]
1-HEXADECANOL [FHFI]
CETYL ALCOHOL [VANDF]
CETYL ALCOHOL [WHO-DD]
CETYL ALCOHOL [WHO-IP]
CETYL ALCOHOL 0.80%
PRIMARY HEXADECYL ALCOHOL
HY-B1465R
Cetyl alcohol, analytical standard
Cetyl alcohol, puriss., 95.0%
HMS3652H05
CS-D1348
HY-B1465
EINECS 252-964-9
Tox21_111609
Tox21_300325
LMFA05000061
s4173
STL283943
UNII-1800H64066
AKOS005287456
Daily Moisturizing with Colloidal Oats
Tox21_111609_1
1-Hexadecanol, ReagentPlus(R), 99%
CCG-266894
DB09494
FH37717
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 001508
ALCOHOL CETYLICUS [WHO-IP LATIN]
All Day Skin Relief with Colloidal Oats
NCGC00159368-03
NCGC00159368-04
NCGC00159368-06
NCGC00254286-01
BS-16666
Cetyl alcohol, puriss., >=99.0% (GC)
H0071
NS00010707
SW219201-1
Cetyl alcohol, SAJ special grade, >=98.0%
Cetyl alcohol, Selectophore(TM), >=99.0%
EN300-19351
1-Hexadecanol, Vetec(TM) reagent grade, 94%
C00823
D00099
SBI-0635048.0002
AB01566915_01
Q161632
SR-01000944409
SR-01000944409-1
BRD-K37203094-001-02-5
BRD-K37203094-001-03-3
1800H64066
810F139F-C57E-4DF1-916A-A320AD0DAF4D
F0001-1047
Z104473594
Cetyl alcohol, European Pharmacopoeia (EP) Reference Standard
Cetyl alcohol, United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Reference Standard
Cetyl Alcohol, Pharmaceutical Secondary Standard; Certified Reference Material
253-149-0
InChI=1/C16H34O/c1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16-17/h17H,2-16H2,1H