1-Hexadecanol, 98%

Product Introduction

1-Hexadecanol is a C16 linear fatty alcohol with a hydrophobic alkyl chain and a hydrophilic hydroxyl group. This unique molecular structure provides amphiphilic characteristics that allow interaction between oil-phase and polar components.

As a long-chain alcohol, 1-Hexadecanol is commonly investigated as:

• A formulation aid
• A viscosity modifier
• An emulsifying component
• A surface-active organic material
• A building block for chemical synthesis

It is supplied as a white crystalline powder, flakes, or waxy solid. TCI reports a purity of >98.0%(GC), molecular formula C₁₆H₃₄O, molecular weight 242.45, and melting point 49.0–51.5 °C.

Mechanism / Principle

The functional properties of 1-Hexadecanol mainly originate from its long hydrophobic carbon chain and terminal hydroxyl group.

• Amphiphilic behavior
  The molecule can interact with both hydrophobic and polar components, supporting interfacial research and formulation studies.
• Emulsion stabilization
  It can contribute to the formation and stabilization of emulsified systems by influencing the oil-water interface.
• Viscosity modification
  Its long-chain structure can improve consistency and texture in formulation systems.
• Surface modification
  The hydroxyl group provides opportunities for chemical modification and interaction with other functional molecules.
• Organic synthesis versatility
  The primary alcohol group can participate in esterification, etherification, and other chemical transformations.

3. Key Research Applications

1. Pharmaceutical Formulations

1-Hexadecanol is investigated as a functional component in pharmaceutical formulation systems, particularly in creams, ointments, emulsions, and other semi-solid formulations. Its viscosity-modifying and stabilizing properties can contribute to formulation texture and physical stability.

2. Cosmetics & Personal Care Materials

Cetyl Alcohol is widely used in cosmetic formulation research due to its emulsifying, thickening, stabilizing, and emollient properties. It is relevant to studies involving:

• Skin-care formulations
• Creams and lotions
• Hair-care products
• Emulsion systems

3. Dental Materials

1-Hexadecanol can be investigated as a long-chain fatty alcohol component in dental-material formulation and interface research.

Its emulsification, viscosity-control, and formulation-stabilizing characteristics may be relevant to:

• Dental formulation systems
• Oral-care material research
• Functional material interfaces
• Component compatibility studies

4. Polymer & Functional Materials

1-Hexadecanol can serve as a functional organic component in polymer and material research, including studies of:

• Surface modification
• Hydrophobic modification
• Polymer additives
• Interfacial compatibility
• Functional organic materials

Advantages

• Long-chain amphiphilic structure suitable for formulation and interface research.
• High chemical purity options available for laboratory and industrial research. 
• Excellent formulation compatibility with lipid, surfactant, and polymer systems.
• Useful hydroxyl functionality for organic synthesis and chemical modification.
• Broad application potential across pharmaceutical, cosmetic, dental, polymer, and specialty chemical research.
• Stable physical properties with a well-defined melting range of approximately 49–51.5 °C. 

Storage & Handling

• Store in a tightly closed container.
• Keep in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
• Protect from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.
• Recommended storage condition: cool and dark place, below 15 °C. 
• Avoid contact with strong oxidizing agents.
• Follow appropriate laboratory safety procedures and SDS recommendations during handling.

Research Areas

• Dental Materials – Dental formulation systems, oral-care materials, and functional interface research.
• Pharmaceutical Formulations – Semi-solid formulations, emulsions, and formulation development.
• Cosmetics & Personal Care – Creams, lotions, conditioners, and emulsion systems.
• Surfactant Industry – Emulsifiers, surface-active materials, and interface studies.
• Lipid & Colloid Research – Lipid assemblies, colloidal systems, and molecular organization.
• Polymer Materials – Hydrophobic modification, polymer additives, and surface engineering.
• Functional Materials – Organic functional materials and interface modification.
• Specialty Chemicals – Long-chain alcohol derivatives and chemical intermediates.

Q1. What is 1-Hexadecanol?
1-Hexadecanol is a saturated C16 long-chain primary fatty alcohol commonly known as Cetyl Alcohol or Cetanol.

Q2. What are the common names of 1-Hexadecanol?
Common names include Cetyl Alcohol, Cetanol, Hexadecyl Alcohol, and Palmityl Alcohol.

Q3. What are the main applications of 1-Hexadecanol?
It is mainly used in formulation research, cosmetics, surfactant systems, lipid research, polymer materials, and specialty chemicals.

Q4. Can 1-Hexadecanol be used in dental-material research?
Yes. It can be investigated as a functional formulation component in dental and oral-care material systems where emulsification, viscosity control, and interface properties are important.

Q5. What is the physical form of 1-Hexadecanol?
It is generally supplied as a white powder, flakes, crystals, or waxy solid.

Q6. What is the melting point of 1-Hexadecanol?
The melting point is approximately 49.0–51.5 °C.

Q7. Is 1-Hexadecanol soluble in water?
1-Hexadecanol is practically insoluble in water and is more compatible with organic solvents and lipid-based systems.