Title: Cetyl Alcohol
CAS Registry Number: 36653-82-4
CAS Name: 1-Hexadecanol
Synonyms: ethal; ethol; palmityl alcohol
Molecular Formula: C16H34O
Molecular Weight: 242.44
Percent Composition: C 79.27%, H 14.14%, O 6.60%
Line Formula: CH3(CH2)14CH2OH
Literature References: Discovered by Chevreul in 1813. Obtained from spermaceti by saponification: Spada, Gavioli,
Farm. Sci. Tec. (Pavia)
7, 435 (1952),
C.A. 47, 891c (1953). Prepn from palmitoyl chloride + NaBH4: Caikin, Brown,
J. Am. Chem. Soc. 71, 122 (1949); from methylthiopalmitate + Raney Ni: Ruzicka, Prelog,
US 2509171 (1950 to Ciba); from hexadecyl bromide: Levine, Clippinger,
US 3018308 (1962 to California Res. Corp.).
Properties: White crystals. d 0.811. mp 49°. bp 344°; bp15 190°.
nD79 1.4283. Practically insol in water. Sol in alcohol, chloroform, ether.
Melting point: mp 49°
Boiling point: bp 344°; bp15 190°
Index of refraction: nD79 1.4283
Density: d 0.811
Derivative Type: Hexadecyl alcohol
Literature References: Primary, branched chain, C16 alcohol, made up of an array of isomeric compds maintained in constant proportion by a complex manufacturing process (not from spermaceti): Edman, Lowden,
Drug Cosmet. Ind. 93, 631 (Nov. 1963).
Properties: Liquid, d2020 0.842. bp50 195-205°. Freezes at <-60°. Miscible with most alcohols, glycols, esters, ketones, cosmetic oils and aromatics. Immiscible with water.
Boiling point: bp50 195-205°
Density: d2020 0.842
Use: In cosmetics as emollient, emulsion modifier, coupling agent. Pharmaceutic aid (emulsifying and stiffening agent).
