octadecan1ol

Octadecan-1-ol, also known as octadecanol or stearyl alcohol, is a long-chain fatty alcohol with the formula C18H38O. It is a primary alcohol derived from fatty acids and is widely used in chemical and cosmetic industries.

Physical and chemical properties: Octadecan-1-ol appears as a white, waxy solid at room temperature, with a melting point around 59–60°C. It is practically insoluble in water but soluble in many organic solvents such as ethanol, diethyl ether, and chloroform. As a long-chain fatty alcohol, it has a hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail and a hydrophilic hydroxyl group at the head, giving it surfactant and thickening properties. It can be oxidized to the corresponding fatty acid (stearic acid) under strong oxidizing conditions and can be converted to esters for various applications.

Production and sources: Industrial octadecan-1-ol is typically produced from natural fats and oils by hydrogenation of fatty acids or via the oxo process (hydroformylation of long-chain alkenes followed by hydrogenation) to yield primary alcohols in the C14–C22 range, including C18 alcohols.

Uses: It is employed as an emollient, thickener, and surfactant component in cosmetics and personal care products. It serves as a lubricant and plasticizer in polymer formulations, and as a wax component in candles and other wax blends. It can also be used as a building block for esters and specialty chemicals.

Safety and handling: Octadecan-1-ol is generally regarded as having low acute toxicity. It may cause skin or eye irritation in some exposures and should be handled with standard industrial hygiene practices. It is not considered highly volatile and can pose a fire hazard at elevated temperatures.

See also: cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol family, fatty alcohols.