Chemical identity
- IUPAC name: 1-Hexadecanol
- Molecular formula: C₁₆H₃₄O
- Molar mass: 242.44 g·mol⁻¹
- Structure: A long‑chain, saturated fatty alcohol consisting of a sixteen‑carbon alkyl group attached to a terminal hydroxyl group (–CH₂CH₃…CH₂CH₂–CH₂OH).
Physical properties
- Appearance: White to off‑white, waxy solid at room temperature.
- Melting point: 49–50 °C (120–122 °F).
- Boiling point: ≈ 370 °C (decomposes).
- Solubility: Practically insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and oils.
Occurrence and production
Cetyl alcohol occurs naturally as a minor component of many animal fats and plant waxes. Commercially, it is produced primarily by the hydrogenation of cetyl palmitate (a constituent of palm oil) or by the reduction of cetyl oleate. The process typically involves catalytic hydrogenation under elevated temperature and pressure, yielding the saturated alcohol.
Industrial and consumer applications
| Sector | Primary uses |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics and personal care | Emollient, thickening agent, and stabilizer in creams, lotions, lipsticks, and hair conditioners; improves texture and imparts a smooth feel. |
| Pharmaceuticals | Component of topical ointments and creams to enhance spreadability and act as a co‑solvent. |
| Food industry | Occasionally used as an anti‑caking agent or glazing aid, though its use is limited compared to other fatty alcohols. |
| Industrial | Ingredient in lubricants, plasticizers, and as a surfactant intermediate in the manufacture of detergents and emulsifiers. |
Safety and regulatory status
- Dermal toxicity: Considered minimally irritating to skin; widely regarded as safe for cosmetic use at concentrations up to 5 % (as per the Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel).
- Inhalation and ingestion: Not intended for inhalation; ingestion in large quantities may cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Environmental impact: Being a naturally occurring fatty alcohol, cetyl alcohol is readily biodegradable and exhibits low acute toxicity to aquatic organisms.
Regulatory identifiers
- CAS Registry Number: 3665-71-3
- EC Number: 282-975-8
- UN Number: 3311 (flammable solid)
Related compounds
Cetyl alcohol belongs to the broader class of fatty alcohols, which also includes stearyl alcohol (C₁₈H₃₈O) and myristyl alcohol (C₁₄H₃₀O). These compounds share similar physical characteristics and are frequently used interchangeably in formulation science, though each possesses distinct melting points and chain lengths that affect product texture.
References
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel. Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Cetyl Alcohol. 2005.
- International Programme on Chemical Safety (IPCS). Alcohols, Fatty, Cetyl. 2021.
- Ullmann’s Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, 7th ed., Wiley‑VCH, 2016.
The information presented reflects current consensus in peer‑reviewed literature and regulatory assessments as of 2026.