cetyl

Cetyl is a term used in chemistry to denote a hydrocarbon substituent with 16 carbon atoms, often referred to as a hexadecyl group. It appears in a variety of compounds, including fatty alcohols, esters, and quaternary ammonium salts, where the cetyl moiety provides hydrophobic character.

The most widely known cetyl compound is cetyl alcohol, also called 1-hexadecanol. It is a fatty alcohol derived from natural fats and oils and is a waxy, white solid at room temperature, with a melting point of about 49–54 °C. Cetyl alcohol is commonly used in cosmetics and personal care products as an emollient, thickener, and surfactant, helping to improve texture and stability in creams, lotions, and shampoos. It is relatively insoluble in water and soluble in lipids and nonpolar solvents.

Cetyl forms a range of esters with fatty acids, such as cetyl palmitate, cetyl stearate, and cetyl myristate. These esters are used as emollients and thickening agents in cosmetic formulations, contributing to slip and conditioning without a strong odor. Cetyl esters and related compounds are often marketed as waxes or ester waxes in personal care products.

In addition to esters, the cetyl group is present in quaternary ammonium compounds, such as cetyltrimethylammonium chloride, where it functions as the hydrophobic tail in surfactants used in cleaners, fabric softeners, and some antimicrobial formulations.

Production and origin methods typically involve hydrogenation and processing of fatty acids derived from palm, coconut, or other plant oils, yielding cetyl alcohol and related cetyl compounds. Cetyl-related materials are widely used in cosmetics, detergents, and industrial formulations, valued for their hydrophobic characteristics and texture-enhancing properties.