1-Octadecanol: A Versatile Fatty Alcohol in the Chemical Industry

Introduce

1-Octadecanol, also known as Stealyl alcohol, is a long-chain fatty alcohol composed of 18 carbon atoms, with the chemical formula C ₁₈ H ∝₈ O. It is widely used in multiple industries, especially in the production of cosmetics, drugs, lubricants, and surfactants. As a higher fatty alcohol, 1-Octadecanol is considered a highly valuable chemical raw material due to its superior physical and chemical Properties.

Octadecanol is mainly prepared through the reduction of natural fatty acids or natural fatty alcohols, and it has a wide range of potential applications in industry and laboratories. With the increasing demand for sustainable materials, 1-Octadecanol as a renewable source of chemical raw materials has attracted more and more attention.

Figure 1 Characteristics of 1-Octadecanol

Nature

1-Octadecanol is a white to slightly yellow solid that appears waxy at room temperature. It has a high melting point (58-60 ° C), which allows it to maintain its solid-state properties in many applications. At room temperature, octadecanol is insoluble in water, but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, chloroform, and ether.

Another notable feature of this long-chain alcohol is its low hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB value), which means that it is more inclined to water in oil (W/O) lotion in the emulsification process, so it is often used to prepare emulsifiers and conditioners with moisturizing and softening effects. In addition, 1-Octadecanol also has good chemical inertness and biocompatibility, further expanding its application range in drugs and skincare products.

Main components

The main chemical component of 1-Octadecanol is a saturated eighteen-carbon chain structure with a hydroxyl group (- OH) attached to the tail. This structure endows it with good hydrophobicity, making it suitable as a thickener, emulsifier, and viscosity modifier in various products. Although octadecanol mainly exists in the form of a single component, its industrial production process may contain trace amounts of other long-chain alcohols or fatty acid derivatives, depending on its production materials and processes.

From a natural source perspective, 1-Octadecanol is typically extracted from vegetable oils (such as palm oil, and coconut oil) or animal fats, and produced through reduction reactions of these natural substances. It can also be produced through chemical synthesis methods, such as hydrogenation of fatty acids.

Purpose

Cosmetics industry: Octadecyl alcohol, as an emulsifier, thickener, and softener, is a key component of many skin care products and personal care products (such as lotion, face cream, and hair creams). It can form a stable lotion system in the product, and at the same time provide a smooth and soft skin feeling effect. In addition, 1-Octadecanol can also have a moisturizing effect, locking in moisture in the skin and enhancing the effectiveness of skincare products.

In the pharmaceutical field, 1-Octadecanol is used as an excipient and carrier for drugs due to its biocompatibility and non-irritating properties. In ointments, creams, and drug delivery systems, it can assist in better absorption and release of active pharmaceutical ingredients. For many topical medications, octadecanol can also provide lubrication and soothing effects.

Industrial use: 1-Octadecanol is used as a viscosity enhancer and anti-corrosion additive in lubricants and wax products to improve product stability and functionality. In addition, it is also applied in surfactant and detergent formulations to improve formulation stability and lubrication performance.

Food industry: In some cases, octadecanol is used as a food additive or coating agent to keep the surface of food moist or increase the glossiness of products.

Storage method

1-Octadecanol should be stored in a dry and well-ventilated environment, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures to prevent material decomposition or performance degradation. The ideal storage temperature should be controlled at around room temperature (15-25 ° C), and the container should be kept sealed to prevent moisture from entering and causing material clumping or deterioration. Due to its relative stability and lack of strong chemical activity, 1-Octadecanol is relatively easy to store, but it still needs to avoid contact with strong oxidants. In addition, it is important to regularly check the physical condition of the product, such as color and odor, during storage to ensure its quality.

Reference

[1] Wang X, Cheng X, Li Y, et al. Self-assembly of three-dimensional 1-octadecanol/graphene thermal storage materials[J]. Solar Energy, 2019, 179: 128-134.

[2] Selvin Thomas P, Abdullateef A A, Al-Harthi M A, et al. Electrical properties of natural rubber nanocomposites: effect of 1-octadecanol functionalization of carbon nanotubes[J]. Journal of Materials Science, 2012, 47: 3344-3349.