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Cetyl alcohol

CAS Number
36653-82-4
EC Number
253-149-0
Chemical Formula
C16H34O
Molecular Weight
242.44 g/mol

Description

Cetyl alcohol (CAS 36653-82-4 ), also known as palmityl alcohol, is a long-chain fatty alcohol derived primarily from vegetable or animal sources. It functions as an emulsifier, emollient, and thickener across personal care, food, and industrial formulations. The FEMA 2554 designation supports its use as a flavoring agent in food applications. In cosmetics and personal care, it stabilizes oil-in-water emulsions in creams, lotions, and conditioners while improving product texture and spreadability. Hair care manufacturers rely on it to add slip and body to conditioner formulations, where it coats the hair shaft to reduce friction during combing. Food-grade cetyl alcohol serves as a release agent and surface modifier in specific processed food applications. In industrial lubricants and metalworking fluids, it acts as a lubricity additive and emulsion stabilizer, improving film formation on metal surfaces. This versatile chemical is supplied as white waxy flakes or pellets for ease of handling and melting. Standard grades include cosmetic/personal care grade, food-grade ( FCC ), and technical grade for industrial use. Purity is typically 95–99%, with specifications aligned to Ph. Eur. and USP monographs for pharmaceutical supply chains. Contact us for supply of Cetyl alcohol Request Quote

Other Names (Synonyms)

palmityl alcohol | n-hexadecyl alcohol | n-hexadecan-1-ol | n-cetyl alcohol | n-1-hexadecanol | hexadecyl alcohol | ethol | ethal

Key Technical Features

  • High Purity Grade standard
  • Consistent Batch Quality
  • Full Regulatory & REACH Support
  • Global Logistics Network enabled

Physical Properties

Melting Point49.3 °C
Boiling Point334 °C @ Press: 760 Torr
Density0.8187 g/cm³ @ Temp: 50 °C
Flash Point275 °F
Appearancewhite solid
ColorWhite to off-white
Odorat 100.00 %. waxy clean greasy floral oily
FormPowder, Flakes or Pellets
Water Solubilityinsoluble
Vapor Pressure<0.01 mm Hg ( 43 °C)
Refractive IndexnD79 1.4283
Log P6.7

Safety & Handling

Warning
GHS07· Irritant

Hazard Statements

H319Causes serious eye irritation

Precautionary Statements

P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.
P265Wash … thoroughly after handling.
P317If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice/attention. Get emergency medical help.
P338IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing.

Trade & Regulatory

HS Code29051990
Storage Class11 - Combustible Solids